Black-bellied whistling duck

Description:

I was fortunate to find this family of Black-bellied whistling ducks - this is probably the northern most reach of its range, especially for breeding. The adults have a pink bill, chestnut brown body, black belly and tail. The juveniles are similar but have a gray bill and less contrasting belly. Both parents can be seen in pic 2. The black-bellied whistling duck is quite unique among ducks in their strong monogamous pair-bond. Its pairs often stay together for many years, a trait more often associated with geese and swans. Both parents share all tasks associated with the raising of young, from incubation to the rearing of ducklings.

Habitat:

Spotted in a swampy pond at a park in McGehee, Arkansas. Habitat includes ponds, fresh marshes. Favors shallow freshwater lakes; may come to those in open country, but seems to favor ponds surrounded by trees. Will nest on ground or in tree cavities. When foraging, often in dry fields, also in irrigated land