Black-bellied Whistling Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

RANGE Southeast U.S., Mexico, and parts of Central and South America

HABITAT Favor freshwater ponds, marshes and shallow lakes surrounded by trees

DIET Mainly plants; will also eat agricultural crops and aquatic animals such as snails, insects, and spiders

Black-bellied whistling ducks have long legs and spend more time than other ducks walking on land or perching in trees. They have long neckss, a red bill, and long red legs. Their bodies are mostly chestnut, with a black belly and gray face. The white patch in the wings appears as a strioe down its wing while at rest.

They form lifelong pair bonds and breed in their first year of life.