Black-bellied whistling-duck
Scientific name: Dendrocygna autumnalis
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
This duck is highly distinctive with a long neck, long legs, and reddish bill. Plumage features a chestnut head and neck, black belly, white eye-ring, and bright red legs; sexes are similar in appearance.
Size and weight
Adults typically weigh 0.5–0.7 kg (females slightly lighter) and measure 45–53 cm in body length.
Habitat
Black-bellied whistling-ducks inhabit freshwater and brackish wetlands, marshes, ponds, and shallow lakes with emergent vegetation. They favour lowland areas from sea level to moderate elevations, preferring open water with nearby trees or shrubs for roosting.
Distribution
Found from the southwestern United States through Central America and into South America, with populations expanding northward. They occupy permanent and semi-permanent freshwater wetlands in warm lowland regions.
Diet
Black-bellied whistling-ducks feed primarily on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and invertebrates, with preference shifting toward seeds and plant matter during dry seasons.
Behaviour
Highly social and vocal ducks, most active at dawn and dusk but also feed during daylight and night. They roost communally in trees or on water and are often seen in small flocks; pairs are monogamous.
Hunting tips
Look for their distinctive three-note whistling calls, droppings around shallow water margins, and clustered roosting sites in trees at dawn or dusk. Approach shallow wetlands quietly during low-light periods, using vegetation or terrain contours for concealment. These ducks are wary and will flush readily; glass open water edges before entering to locate feeding birds.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 13 countries in Huntify.
Names in other languages
- noSvartbukfløytand
- svSvartbukig trädand
- daSortbuget fløjteand
- fiMustavatsakolopuusorsa
- deHerbstpfeifgans
- frDendrocygne à ventre noir
- esSuirirí piquirrojo
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.