The black-bellied whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) is a medium-sized waterfowl species that occurs in the Americas. It gets its name from its loud, clear whistle and black belly plumage. Black-bellied whistling ducks inhabit wetlands and are gregarious, forming flocks of hundreds or even thousands of birds outside of breeding season. Their populations appear stable, though they face threats from habitat loss and hunting. While they may gather in large numbers seasonally, black-bellied whistling ducks are not considered rare.
Description
The black-bellied whistling duck is a mid-sized duck, measuring 17-20 inches (43-51 cm) in length with a wingspan of 26-30 inches (66-76 cm). Males and females have identical plumage. Adults have a long grey bill and long grey legs and feet.
Their plumage is mostly grey, with a chestnut brown head and upper neck and black underparts and belly. The flank feathers are white, forming a bright white stripe along the sides when the wings are folded. The tail is blackish.
Black-bellied whistling ducks have a loud, clear whistle that is most noticeable when they are in flight. They can also make meowing, squealing, and chattering calls.
Range and Habitat
The black-bellied whistling duck is resident across much of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Its range extends north along the Gulf of Mexico coast into the southernmost United States.
They occur in:
- Mexico
- Central America
- Caribbean islands including Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico
- Northern and central South America
- Southeastern United States along the Gulf Coast and inland
This species inhabits wetland habitats including:
- Freshwater marshes
- Flooded fields
- Rice fields
- Reservoirs
- Drainage canals
- Mangrove swamps
They prefer wetlands with dense emergent vegetation for nesting and foraging.
Behavior
Black-bellied whistling ducks are highly gregarious, feeding, flying, roosting, and traveling in flocks of hundreds or thousands of birds. They become somewhat solitary during breeding season as pairs break off to nest and raise young.
Flocks gather at preferred roosting and feeding sites. They fly in long lines or V-shaped formations. In flight, their wings make a distinctive whistling noise, giving the birds their name.
These ducks walk steadier on land than many other ducks. They often perch and nest in trees, foraging on the ground for plant foods and aquatic invertebrates.
At favored sites, dozens or hundreds of pairs may nest semi-colonially, in close proximity to each other.
Diet
The black-bellied whistling duck is primarily herbivorous, though they will eat some animal matter. Their diet includes:
- Seeds of grasses, sedges, grains
- Aquatic plants
- Rice
- Corn
- Wheat
- Berries
- Acorns
- Other plant material
- Insects
- Crustaceans
- Mollusks
- Tadpoles
- Small fish
They forage by walking on land or standing in shallow water, sometimes immersing their head and neck upside down to reach food underwater. They use their bill to strain food items from mud or water.
Breeding
The breeding season of black-bellied whistling ducks depends on their range, generally occurring from spring to summer. In the southernmost part of their range, they may breed year-round when conditions allow.
They nest in cavities in trees, on the ground among vegetation, or on elevated platforms like duck boxes. The female lays 8-16 creamy white eggs, which she incubates for 25-30 days while the male remains nearby guarding.
Ducklings hatch covered in yellow down. The young are able to leave the nest shortly after hatching. The female cares for them, with the male also helping to protect and lead them. The young fledge at around 55-65 days old.
Population and Conservation
Black-bellied whistling ducks are abundant over much of their large range. Partners in Flight estimates their global breeding population at over 5 million, and rates the species with a low vulnerability score.
Their numbers increased in the 20th century as they expanded their range northwards into the southern US. Creation of artificial wetlands and rice agriculture provided additional habitat.
They face threats from:
- Habitat loss and degradation of wetlands
- Disturbance of nesting sites
- Pollution
- Hunting pressure in some regions
But their populations appear stable overall. The species as a whole is not considered threatened or endangered. They are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Status in the United States
The black-bellied whistling duck has expanded its range northward into the southern United States, especially along the Gulf Coast. The population in the US has increased to around 150,000 birds.
Its conservation status in the US is:
- Federal: Not listed under the Endangered Species Act
- US Fish & Wildlife Service: Not considered a game bird or subject to any special protections
- State: Listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in some Gulf Coast states including Texas and Louisiana
While still common and increasing in the US, habitat loss is a threat. There is also concern about potential overhunting pressure on the US population. Monitoring is ongoing to ensure US numbers remain sustainable.
As Pets
Black-bellied whistling ducks are sometimes kept as pets or ornamental waterfowl. Their outgoing nature and vocalizations make them appealing. However, there are some important considerations about keeping them in captivity:
- Legal restrictions – Local, state, or federal laws may prohibit keeping wild ducks as pets without the proper permits
- Diet – They have specialized plant-heavy diet with protein requirements
- Space – Require sufficient pond/pool space with room to roam on land
- Social needs – Highly social species that should be kept in pairs or groups
- Noisy – Make loud vocalizations that carry over distance
Serious keepers must research local laws and be prepared to provide extensive specialized care for these ducks. They are not ideal casual pets.
Conclusion
In summary, black-bellied whistling ducks are a widespread duck species found from the southern US through the Caribbean, Central America, and much of South America. They inhabit freshwater wetlands where they feed on plants and small invertebrates.
Gregarious and noisy, they form large flocks outside of breeding season. Though they face some threats, global populations of over 5 million appear stable. They are not considered rare or endangered overall. Their increasing numbers in the US have made them more familiar in the Gulf region but have also raised some concerns about overhunting and habitat loss.
