Latin: Dendrocygna autumnalis
Average length: M 19.4", F 19"
Average weight: M 1.80 lbs., F 1.85 lbs.
Description: Male and female black-bellied whistling ducks are similar in size and color. In general, black-bellied whistling ducks are long-legged, long-necked and the most erect of all ducks. They have a black belly with a chestnut nape, lower neck, chest and back. A chestnut cap tops the head with a bright orange bill, gray face and upper neck, and a white-eye ring. The long pink legs are easily observed while they are perched in trees. They are vociferous in flight uttering a whistling "pe-che-che."
Breeding: The northern race (D. a. autumnalis) breeds from southern Texas through coastal Mexico and Central America. Pairs most often partner for life and share responsibilities of incubation and brood rearing. Nests are usually located in tree cavities, nest boxes, or on the ground in grassy areas or under brush or cacti near water. Ground nesting is most common where mammalian nest predators are absent. Female black-bellied whistling ducks lay an average of 13 eggs with several females laying in the same nest.
Migrating and Wintering: Black-bellied whistling ducks are migratory in the northern and southernmost limits of their range. Large flocks are often observed in wintering areas in the lowlands of Mexico, though formerly more abundant in interior Mexico than at present. In the USA, they winter primarily in southern coastal Texas. Black-bellied whistling duck are widespread and common in Central America and South America south to northern Argentina (Scott and Carbonell, 1986).
Population: D. a. autumnalis (Caribbean) between 100,000-1,000,000; D. a. bicolor (Neotropics) >1,000,000 (Rose and Scott, 1994). Black-bellied whistling ducks are susceptible to overharvest due to their unwary nature.
Food habits: Black-bellied whistling ducks commonly feed at night on grain, seeds, some insects and mollusks, and also leaves and shoots found in fields and shallow water.
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