Bird · GBIF taxon 2498393
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
Dendrocygna autumnalisAlso known as Black-bellied Tree Duck, Mexican Squealer
Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks are highly social waterfowl famous for their bright pink bills, chestnut plumage, and high-pitched whistling calls heard during twilight flights. Monogamous pairs form long-term bonds and share incubation and chick-rearing duties equally, often nesting in tree cavities or artificial nest boxes. They forage primarily at night across shallow wetlands and agricultural fields, perching comfortably on high branches and fence posts.
GregariousNocturnalWaterfowl
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Agricultural Seeds
- Waste Grain
- Aquatic Vegetation
Predators
- Raccoons
- Alligators
- Raptors
ThreatsWetland habitat loss, agricultural pesticides, and hunting
HabitatsFreshwater marshes, agricultural fields, flooded pastures, and wooded swamps
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAnatidae
- SpeciesDendrocygna autumnalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listen at Dusk: Listen for squeaky, whistling contact calls as flocks fly to feeding sites at twilight.
- Look Upward: Scan tree branches, fence lines, and barn roofs near water where these ducks frequently perch.
- Keep Distance: Maintain a respectful distance around active nest cavities and nest boxes during spring.
Nest Competitor Chuck Homler d/b/a FocusOnwWildlife / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) Júlio Castellain, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.