Whistling Ducks
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Biologically, whistling ducks are closer to swans and geese than they are to ducks.
Because names count for something, birding enthusiasts often place them with the ducks. The American Ornithological Union places them in their own subfamily, Dendrocygninae.
Whistling Ducks get their name from the whistling sounds they make. Generally quacking gets associated with duck vocalization. However some duck species evolved with alternative vocalization habits.
The top picture shows the black-bellied whistling duck. Males and females look similar. In addition to the identifying white eye-ring and black belly, the duck also stands almost straight up.
They are found primarily along the southern coast of Texas during breeding season. They are omnivores, eating seeds, plants, insects and other things in their territory.
The Fulvous Whistling Duck range extends across the southern areas of North America from California to Florida.
© 2006-2011 Patricia A. Michaels