Black-bellied whistling-ducks are a fascinating species of waterfowl found in the Americas. Here are some interesting facts about these unique birds:
The black-bellied whistling-duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) is a whistling duck that breeds in the Americas. It has a disjointed breeding range that stretches from the southernmost United States through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and tropical South America. These ducks inhabit freshwater wetlands including ponds, lakes, marshes, and flooded agricultural fields. Their scientific name Dendrocygna comes from the Greek words dendron, meaning “tree”, and cygnus, meaning “swan”. This refers to their habit of perching and nesting in trees.
Appearance
Black-bellied whistling-ducks are medium-sized waterfowl, measuring 18-22 inches in length with a wingspan of 30-37 inches. As their name suggests, they have a black belly that contrasts sharply with their brownish-gray back and chestnut breast. Their long pink bill has a black culmen and gray sides. Their legs and feet are orange-red. In flight, these ducks reveal a bold white wing stripe along their black underwing coverts. Males and females look alike but the female is slightly smaller.
Vocalizations
One of the most distinctive traits of the black-bellied whistling-duck is its loud, clear whistle. The whistles are produced by males and females and serve to maintain contact and identify each other while flying or foraging. They make a variety of calls including a wheezy crrr sound and nasal yee notes. Males give a repeated wheek whistle during courtship displays. The “whistling” in their common name refers to the unique whee-hee-hoo hooet call.
Habitat
Black-bellied whistling-ducks are very gregarious and inhabit a variety of shallow freshwater wetlands and agricultural areas. They prefer habitats with dense emergent vegetation for concealment and nesting sites. Some key habitats include:
- Marshes
- Ponds
- Lakes
- River floodplains
- Rice fields
- Flooded corn and sorghum fields
They mainly forage by dabbling and grazing in shallow water. Whistling-ducks walk well on land and may feed in grassy fields when water levels drop in seasonal wetlands.
Diet
The diet of the black-bellied whistling-duck consists predominantly of plant matter and aquatic invertebrates. Their preferred foods include:
- Grasses
- Sedges
- Algae
- Mollusks
- Crustaceans
- Aquatic insects
- Seeds
- Agricultural grains like rice, sorghum, and corn
They use their long bills to sift through mud and vegetation to find food. Whistling-ducks sometimes walk and graze on land, eating grasses, herbs, and agricultural crops.
Breeding
The breeding season of black-bellied whistling-ducks depends on their range, occurring from March-July in the United States and October-March in South America. They are monogamous and may pair for life. Nests are built 1-60 feet above water, concealed in dense vegetation. Nest sites include:
- Tree cavities
- Palmetto fronds
- Vines
- Nests of other birds
Females lay 8-16 cream-colored eggs that incubate for 24-30 days. Ducklings fledge at 56-63 days old. Males stand guard and defend nest sites while females incubate eggs.
Population and Conservation
Black-bellied whistling-ducks have a large population estimated between 1.5-2 million birds. Their numbers increased significantly in the 1900s as they adapted to nesting in trees and using agricultural fields. They are considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to their abundant, widespread population. However, habitat loss is a concern in parts of their range.
Fun Facts
- Black-bellied whistling-ducks get their name from their loud, whistling call.
- They are very social and travel in flocks of up to several hundred birds.
- Whistling-ducks eat mainly plants but also prey on small fish, frogs, and insects.
- They nest in trees more than other ducks, choosing cavities or building nests of vegetation.
- These ducks can perch and even sleep in trees unlike most waterfowl.
- Males have an elaborate courtship display involving head-bobbing, bill-raising, and whistling.
- They utter excited kek-kek-kek calls when flying in flocks.
- Whistling-duck ducklings leap from their tree nests when they fledge!
Conclusion
In summary, black-bellied whistling-ducks are a unique duck species known for their vocalizations, tree nesting habits, and adaptable diet. They thrive in wetlands across the Americas where they socialize in noisy flocks and raise their young in hidden nests above the water. Although abundant, habitat conservation is important for maintaining healthy populations of these fascinating whistling ducks into the future.