Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Dendrocygna autumnalis
Content and photos by James Giroux
The Black-bellied Whistling Duck is truly an “odd duck” when compared with other North American ducks. Other than its cousin (the Fulvous Whistling Duck) it is the only non-sexually dimorphic duck in the U.S.. In other words, there is no color difference between males and females. Another odd characteristic about this duck is that mating pairs often bond for many years. In addition, the males help care for the young. These two behaviors are more like geese and swans than ducks.
And, in case you haven’t noticed, the Black-bellied Whistling Duck is also a bit odd in appearance. It is the only North American duck that sports a pink/orange bill. The legs and feet are pink as well.
There are eight species of Whistling ducks worldwide, and they were formerly called “tree ducks”. The name change was made because not all of the species actually perch or nest in trees. But all of them make whistling calls when they fly. Our bird of the week was formerly called the Black-bellied Tree Duck. Both the old and new names are appropriate because our bird nests in trees – and it whistles.
The Black-bellied Whistling Duck used to be a south Texas specialty, but the species has been moving north for several years now. The Cornell range map below is out of date, because this duck is now common all along the Gulf states, and well up into north Texas. There are many parts of Austin where large flocks can be seen (and heard whistling) flying from one pond to another. They are most active in the morning and evenings.
One of the best places to find Black-bellied Whistling Duck in the Austin area is Hornsby Bend. There are often large flocks there, but not always. Year-round, keep your ears open when you are outdoors in the mornings and evenings. If you hear whistling, look up, and look for the distinctive large white patch on a black wing. If you also see the pink lipstick, you’ve got a Black-bellied Whistling Duck.
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