Black-bellied whistling duck
Mexican whistler, Mexican tree duck, Whistler
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Scientific Name:
Dendrocygna autumnalis Aerial/Aboreal
Native
- Seasons and Regulations
- Licenses/Permits
Description
Large, colorful, and slender duck more closely resembling a goose. Bright red/pink bill, legs, and feet. Shows a strong white wing patch, black belly/tail, and rust colorred chest, back, neck, and crown. Gray face with white eye ring.
Sound
A clear, multi-note whistle: "pe-che-ne-ne-ne"
Range and Habitat
Southern U.S. to South America. Found year-round in Louisiana with a northward expanding range. Prefers shallow, freshwater wetlands, marshes, and agricultural fields. This species is also urbanized and do well in yards, subdivisions, drainage ponds, and along developed shorelines of rivers, bayous, and lakes.
Behavior
Tends to socialize in large groups year-round; nest parasitism has been well documented for this species. Cavity nester, both natural and wood duck boxes. Bi-parental care of young until fledged. Expanding use of neighborhoods for roost sites and feeding sites. Nocturnal feeding followed by diurnal loafing/roosting.
Population Status
Expanding
Hunting License Information
Basic hunting license or equivalent combination license (Sportsman Paradise). Waterfowl, HIP certification (18 years old and older). Federal Duck Stamp (16 years old and older) signed across the face; if hunting WMA, then WMA Access Permit.
More Information