Around the Coastal Bend

BLACK BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK

photo taken:  Lakeview Park - Corpus Christi Texas

MALE [right] & FEMALE [left] NORTHERN CARDINAL

photo taken:  Blucher Park - Corpus Christi Texas

BLACK BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK

photo taken:  Lakeview Park - Corpus Christi Texas

CORMORANT

photo taken:  Hazel Bazemore Park - Calallen Texas

MALE NORTHERN CARDINAL

photo taken:  Blucher Park - Corpus Christi Texas

BLACK BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK

photo taken:  Lakeview Park - Corpus Christi Texas

Habitat Range: Mexico/Lower Southern States

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is a common bird on the Mexico coast. To the south, its range extends throughout Central America, and across much of South America. In the United States, it can be found year-round in parts of southeast Texas, and seasonally in southeast Arizona, and Louisiana's Gulf Coast. It is a rare breeder in such disparate locations as Florida, Arkansas, and South Carolina. Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks prefer shallow freshwater ponds, lakes, and marshes. Tree-lined bodies of water are of particular value. The species was formerly known as the Black-bellied Tree Duck; as this name suggests, they are quite fond of perching. Additionally, tree cavities provide nesting sites. Rarely seen active in daylight as they are nocturnal feeders. It's been noted that they mate with one mate for years.  I personally think this is a very colorful bird in the duck family...from its pink feet and legs to the black belly, rufous back and shoulders with yellow blending in with the taupe neck and head ---the bill [or beak], from orange and red to the blue tip.  Both male and female are similar in markings. I was thrilled to find and photograph this night-feeder; active in daylight.