Black-bellied Whistling Duck

Description:

The Black-bellied Whistling Duck is a mid-sized waterfowl species. Length ranges from 47 to 56 cm (19 to 22 in), body mass from 652 to 1,020 g (1.44 to 2.2 lb) and wingspan ranges from 76 to 94 cm (30 to 37 in). It has a long red bill, long head and longish legs, pale grey head and mostly grey-brown plumage. The belly and tail are black, and the body plumage, back of the neck and cap are a rich chestnut brown. The face and upper neck are grey, and they sport a thin but distinct white eye-ring. The extensive white in the wings is obvious in flight, less so on the ground; it is formed by the secondary remiges while the primaries are black; the wing-coverts are brown. Males and females look alike; juveniles are similar but have a grey bill and less contrasting belly. Due to its unique appearance, this species is almost unmistakable. With an upright stance, long pink legs, and long neck, adult Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are unlikely to be confused with any other bird within their range. The wing bar is in fact unique among living whistling ducks.

Habitat:

Spotted at the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Pretoria, South Africa

Notes:

Not endemic to our region.