Description

I own no land, instead I have wheelestate. I’ve been a full time RVer since 1997. Working summers as a Park Ranger takes me to many beautiful places and playing during the winter takes me to many more. This blog is simply the story of my life's adventures.

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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks

01 Black-bellied Whistling ducks San Benito TX (499x1024)

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

02 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks on roof San Benito TX (1024x852)

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.

03 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks on roof San Benito TX (1024x580)

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.

04 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks on roof San Benito TX (1024x392)

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.

19 comments:

Sally in WA said...

Those ducks are interesting looking. I like how you captured them lined up on the roof peak.

Nina F said...

Very nice. I've herd of whistling ducks butt have never seen them in the wild (or on the roof). Really am enjoying the south Texas birdlife.

Nina F said...

Whistling ducks butt? Must have been thinking about the plumage with that typo!

Dawn Fine said...

hee hee..great shots Gaelyn! Love the first one..They sure are the silliest ducks ever. I Love them!

Veronica said...

Nice shots!!

Jo said...

Lovely Gaelyn. I love how you have all your ducks in a row (lol!) You describe them so well. Thanks for sharing. (((hugs)))) Jo

Anonymous said...

What fun birds! Although if they are loud I doubt people are overly thrilled when they are sitting on top of their roof. But very unique non the less! The tree nesting ducks have always fascinated me.

Janie said...

I've never heard of these birds. They do have a distinctive look. Nice photos of them, Gaelyn.

Teri said...

Hi, how's the move going? My cat has only been out of the house a few times to go to the Vet, so it should be interesting traveling with her.

Ruth said...

They look like wood cutouts all lined up on the roof. Interesting post.

Elaine said...

They are so cute with their pink feet and legs! I must say there are some very different birds there in Texas.

Small City Scenes said...

How very interesting. Never seen one--thanks for the info. MB

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

The first one is a very interesting shot. What is he doing on top of that?

amazon's best review said...

amazing photo...

Betty Manousos said...

absolutely gorgeous photos!

never seen one like this.

betty xx

Diane said...

They are so distictive. Great photos. Diane

Kathie Brown said...

It's been awhile since I have seen this species and never atop a house! Wow!

eileeninmd said...

What a neat capture of all the ducks lined up on the roof. Great captures.

RuthieJ said...

They are really cool looking ducks!

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