Dendrocygna autumnalis                                    Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

Like its close relative, the fulvous whistling-duck, the black-bellied whistling-duck is in the process of expanding its range into Florida. Scientists believe that most of the ducks now colonizing Florida are wild birds from Mexico.

Known for its high pitch whistling call, the black-bellied whistling-duck, has a reddish-brown body with a black belly and tail.  The bill and long legs are bright red.  The pelage of males and females are similar.  They are cavity-nesting birds and will readily use nest boxes.

They feed in shallow water on vegetation and, like the fulvous whistling-duck, are nocturnal.

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