Bird Gallery Index

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck image © Dr. Robert McFarlane.

Family: (Anatidae) Ducks, Geese and Swans

Preferred Habitat: Wetlands

Seasonal Occurrence: Increasingly common throughout the year, but lesser numbers in winter. Breeds in our area.

Notes: Black-bellied Whistling Ducks have been expanding their range in Texas. There are frequent reports of new sightings in suburbs north and west of Houston. Brazos Bend State Park is also an excellent, reliable location to find them. Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, with their bright salmon-pink bills and legs and dark chests, are easy to identify. Males and females look alike; juveniles are predominantly gray in color with gray bills. Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are often seen in the open and appear to be quite tolerant of humans. They are active at dawn and dusk and often forage at night. Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are cavity-nesters. Homeowners who live close to lakes and ponds are encouraged to put up nesting boxes. Suitable boxes are similar to those for Wood Ducks but require larger entrance holes. The USDA Forest Service website contains directions for building and placement of nest boxes.
- Susan Billetdeaux