Category: Rio Grande Valley

One of only two whistling-duck species native to North America.

Formerly known as the Black-bellied Tree Duck they nest primarily in natural cavities in trees. Their monogamous pair-bonding is unique among ducks with both parents sharing with the raising of young. Ducklings leap from nest cavities within two days of hatching and can feed themselves immediately on plant material and bugs.

They look like no other duck with their pink feet, long red bill, pale grey head, mostly grey-brown plumage, black belly and tail, thin but distinct white eye-ring, and chestnut brown on the back of the neck. The distinctive white wing patch is most obvious in flight. Males and females look alike and juveniles are similar but have a grey bill and less contrasting belly.

As the name implies, these are noisy birds with a clear whistling waa-chooo call. I can always hear them coming and usually in large flocks.