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.
19 comments:
Those ducks are interesting looking. I like how you captured them lined up on the roof peak.
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.
Whistling ducks butt? Must have been thinking about the plumage with that typo!
hee hee..great shots Gaelyn! Love the first one..They sure are the silliest ducks ever. I Love them!
Nice shots!!
Lovely Gaelyn. I love how you have all your ducks in a row (lol!) You describe them so well. Thanks for sharing. (((hugs)))) Jo
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.
I've never heard of these birds. They do have a distinctive look. Nice photos of them, Gaelyn.
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.
They look like wood cutouts all lined up on the roof. Interesting post.
They are so cute with their pink feet and legs! I must say there are some very different birds there in Texas.
How very interesting. Never seen one--thanks for the info. MB
The first one is a very interesting shot. What is he doing on top of that?
amazing photo...
absolutely gorgeous photos!
never seen one like this.
betty xx
They are so distictive. Great photos. Diane
It's been awhile since I have seen this species and never atop a house! Wow!
What a neat capture of all the ducks lined up on the roof. Great captures.
They are really cool looking ducks!
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