Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
Dendrocygna autumnalis

Description 20-22" (51-56 cm). A tall, long-necked, long-legged duck. Body of adult mainly chestnut and black; bill red; legs pink. Large white wing patch visible in flight. Immature similar but much duller.

Voice Mellow whistles.

Habitat Wooded or tree-lined streams and ponds.

Nesting 12-16 white eggs placed in a tree cavity or man-made nest box without a nest lining, occasionally on the ground among reeds.

Range Breeds in extreme southern Texas and Arizona; introduced birds have bred in southern Florida. Also in American tropics.

Discussion These handsome, conspicuous birds often rest on large tree branches, stakes, or poles in the water or, less commonly, on the ground. They are easily domesticated and are quite tame even in the wild. Almost entirely herbivorous, they feed in shallow water on tubers and other aquatic vegetation, as well as in grain fields. Unlike many ducks, this species is largely nocturnal, migrating at night and resting and feeding during the day. It was formerly known as the "Black-bellied Tree Duck."

Seasonal Distribution