black bellied whistling duck
1. Bird Name
The English name of the bird under consideration is the Black-Bellied Whistling Duck, with its scientific name being Dendrocygna autumnalis.
2. Appearance
This bird is notably vibrant with its high-contrast coloration, presenting a bold mixture of black, rust, and white hues. The most striking feature, from which its name is derived, is its black belly and tail, which seamlessly contrasts with its chestnut upper body. It has a striking red bill, long reddish-pink legs, and a grayish face and upper neck. The Black-Bellied Whistling Duck possesses bright, characteristic red eyes which add to its overall appeal. Both males and females have a similar appearance, making it somewhat difficult to distinguish between the sexes based on coloration alone.
3. Size
The Black-Bellied Whistling Duck spans a length of about 20-27 inches (50-70 cm) and has a wingspan that averages around 30-37 inches (76-94 cm). They weigh in the range of 1.4 – 2.6 pounds (.63 – 1.18 kg), with males typically being slightly larger than females.
4. Habitat & Distribution
This bird, an inhabitant of the New World, is found across Mexico, Central America, and South America. It has also expanded its range into the United States, where it is growing increasingly common in regions such as Florida and Texas. The species prefers freshwater habitats including lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, marshes, and ponds. They are also known to venture into agricultural lands and other semi-urban areas with water bodies.
5. Interesting Facts
Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks follow an unusual courtship routine called ‘triumph-ceremony,’ where males whistle loudly while flap their wings to attract females. Unlike many other duck species, they are also known for their non-migratory behavior, usually remaining within close range of their regular roosting sites. Interestingly, they are also known to form solid long-term pair bonds.
6. Diet
The Black-Bellied Whistling Duck mainly consumes a plant-based diet, including seeds and grains from a variety of grasses, aquatic plants, and agricultural crops such as corn and rice. They are also known to occasionally prey on insects, mollusks, and small crustaceans.
7. Behavior & Sounds
This duck species is gregarious and social, often seen in flocks at night or during non-breeding periods. It’s known for its peculiar whistle-like call, a series of high-pitched notes that sound almost musical, hence its name. They nest in cavities near water and will often use artificial nest boxes if they are available.
8. Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List classifies the Black-Bellied Whistling Duck as a species of ‘Least Concern,’ given its wide range and relatively stable populations.
9. Lifespan
Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks have quite a long lifespan for waterfowl, living up to an average of 8-15 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.
10. Additional Notes
In Spanish-speaking countries, they are often referred to as “Pijije de vientre negro” and “Chiriría vientrinegra”. They serve an ecological role in seed dispersal due to their plant-based diet. They are well-tolerated by human communities, often living in close proximity to humans where permitted.
