Black-bellied Whistling-duck at South Padre Island, Texas

A Black-bellied Whistling-Duck greets birders as a welcome party at the entrance to the South Padre Island World Birding Center. This January morning photo shows the duck standing on the grass near several nearby flocks gathering around the entrance area. Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks are one of only two whistling duck species in the United States, along with the Fulvous Whistling-Duck. These tall ducks are easy to recognize by their pink bill, long pink legs, chestnut body, and bold black belly. These ducks often nest in tree cavities or nest boxes, forsaking ground nests like most ducks. Their clear whistling calls echo across wetlands and fields, often announcing their presence before birders even see them.