Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
From WikiBird
Contents |
Size
Length: 48-53cm (19-21in), Wingspan: ??cm (??in)
Field Marks
Large, long legs and neck. A large white wing bar is visible in flight. Adult: Bright orange bill, pink legs, gray face and upper neck with white eye ring, chestnut cap, nape, lower neck, chest and back, black belly. White secondary coverts and white bases to the black primaries and secondaries creates a long wing stripe in flight and a visible pale patch at rest. Leading edge of wing chestnut like body. Immature: Dark gray bill, dark gray legs, paler brown body plumage, gray belly. Sexes similar.
Similar species
Immature Fulvous Whistling-Duck could be confused with an immature Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, but has a white flank stripe, dark wings without a wing stripe and a pale rump patch.
Sounds
Clear whistling waa-chooo call.
Feeding & Behavior
Feeds mainly at night on seeds and other plant food. It is highly gregarious, forming large flocks when not breeding. A common but wary species.
Habitat & Nesting
Quiet freshwater lakes, cultivated land or reservoirs with plentiful vegetation. It usually nests in hollow trees.
Range
Breeds in the southernmost USA and tropical Central and South America.
Resources
