Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
NameBlack-bellied Whistling-Duck
Common NameBlack-bellied Whistling-Duck
Scientific NameDendrocygna autumnalis
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)51.5
Weight (g)825
Plumage DetailsThis duck features a gray face and hindneck, a chestnut-brown foreneck, breast, and back, contrasting sharply with a prominent black belly. It has a bright pink bill and long pink legs, and a distinctive white patch on the secondary wing feathers is visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its clear, high-pitched whistling calls, often described as 'pee-chew' or 'whistle-whee'. These vocalizations are frequently given while in flight.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound from the southern United States (primarily Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Arizona) through Mexico and Central America, extending into much of South America.
Identifying Featuresbright pink bill, long pink legs, black belly, chestnut-brown body, gray head, white wing patch (visible in flight), often perches in trees or on fences
Description
The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is a distinctive waterfowl species known for its upright posture and long legs, often perching in trees or on fences. It feeds primarily on seeds and aquatic vegetation, foraging in shallow waters or on land. These social birds are often found in flocks.
