Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Dendrocygna autumnalis
Class
Aves
Order
Anseriformes
Family
Anatidae
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Range
Southeast U.S., Mexico, and parts of Central and South America
Size
Length: 21 in
Wingspan: 30 in
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Habitat
Favor freshwater ponds, marshes, and shallow lakes surrounded by trees
Young
Clutch of 9 - 18 eggs
Incubation: 25 - 30 days
Diet
Mainly plants; will also eat agricultural crops and aquatic animals such as snails, insects, and spiders
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Unique Habits
Black-bellied whistling ducks have long legs and spend more time than other ducks walking on land or perching in trees.
Description
They have long necks, a red bill, and long red legs. Their bodies are mostly chestnut, with a black belly and gray face. The white patch in the wings appears as a stripe down its wing while at rest.
Pair Bonds & Young
They form lifelong pair bonds and breed in their first year of life. Young chicks show a highly distinctive black-and-yellow pattern with highly contrasting stripes.