Black-bellied Whistling Duck
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General description.

Known for its characteristic all red spatulate bill and legs, the Black-bellied Whistling Duck can be found in the American Tropics. The belly, tail and rump of the Black-bellied Whistling Duck are solid black contrasting with a stark white patch on the wings. Juveniles have a lighter, duller overall appearance and sport a gray belly rather than black. The Black-bellied Whistling Duck is gooselike in appearance, with long legs and a long neck. Most commonly found in wooded marshes or tree-lined streams and ponds, the Black-bellied Whistling Duck has also been called the Black-bellied Tree Duck as it is known to perch and nest in trees. Famed for being of gregarious disposition, the Black-bellied Whistling Duck is frequently found in noisy groups that "whistle" a characteristic "pe-che-che-ne" in flight. The Black-bellied Whistling Duck feeds on aquatic vegetation as well as cultivated grains and seeds. Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are nocturnal creatures that rest by day then feed and migrate by night.

Female appearance.

Similar to the male

Juvenile appearance.

Paler in appearance with gray belly and bill

Flight pattern.

Direct with rapid wing beats

Breeding habits.

Monogamous

Calls or song.

pe-che-che-ne or wha-chew-whe-whe-whew

Population and distribution.

Uncommon to casual

Nesting habits.

Incubation 25-30 days. Single "dump" nests with more than one female laying eggs.

Buying feeders.

Will nest in tree boxes

Similar birds:

Fulvous Whistling Duck Photo Fulvous Whistling Duck

Birds in the same Family:

Fulvous Whistling Duck Photo Fulvous Whistling Duck
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