A gangly looking duck with long neck and legs. The unmistakable adult has chestnut-and-black body with electric pink legs and bill. Look for the bold white wing stripe, especially visible in flight. The juvenile is duller brownish overall with grey bill and legs. Young birds could be confused with Fulvous Whistling-Duck but juvenile Black-bellied has a white wing stripe and typically shows some black coming in on the sides and belly. Flocks gather in marshes, lakes, rice fields, and swamps, sometimes by the hundreds. Active both day and night. Occurs throughout Middle and South America but their range is expanding northward in the U.S., although still largely restricted to southern states. Vocal and conspicuous; listen for wheezy whistles and chirps.
Photographer: Dave Saunders