Black-bellied whistling duck

Description

Adults have reddish beaks and feet. Their plumage is mainly a reddish brown, both sides of the head and the upper area of the neck being grey, and the lower section of the chest being a lighter grey. The chest and belly are black, and on the lower section of the wings there is a wide white strip. There is no difference between sexes.

Ethology

Partners are thought to remain together for life. In general, they nest in holes in trees, though it is not rare for them to do so in the ground. Clutches consist of 12 to 16 white eggs. Incubation takes from 26 to 31 days and is carried out by both parents. When chicks hatch they are yellow with black spots. Normally, the day after birth they jump from the hole in the tree, from a height of 3 metres, falling to the ground or the water.

Interesting facts

It is a common species in its place of origin. Its natural predators include rats and raccoons, which may be a great danger to nests. In some areas they are considered a problem because they eat seeds, and are therefore chased.