A New Duck in Town

Black-bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

Black-bellies are new to town, at least relative to the other ducks that make Florida and the Southeastern U.S. their home.  If you were here in Florida say 15 years ago, you would have had a hard time finding one of these birds.  Now, they seem to be everywhere and getting more numerous all the time.

So, where did all the Black-bellies come from?  I believe the consensus among us duck biologists is they arrived here via good ol' range expansion; moving their way up from the tropical Americas.  Some people hypothesize that the general warming of the planet has allowed for this northward expansion.  Whatever the reason, they are here and it looks like they mean to stay awhile.  I sure don't mind.  They are a very good looking duck and make great photography subjects in my opinion.  They are actually more closely related to geese than to other ducks. What sparse data exist on their ecology suggests they mate for life like geese and they stay together in family groups like geese tend to do.

The battle line is drawn!

The fighting begins!

From the behavioral observations I have made of this species, the family groups seem to be quite aggressive in defending feeding territories.  With rival families (brings to mind the Hatfield's and the McCoy's when you watch the birds go at it) establishing battle lines and then going at one another.  Eventually one family will back down and move far enough away from the other to cause a cessation in the hostilities.  They also are aggressive to other water birds. The aggressive nature of these birds provide some great action shot opportunities.  Another reason I like photographing them so much.

Well, I hope you liked the bit of time spent on this relatively new bird to Florida.  Moreover, I hope you get a chance to go out and photograph this awesome subject.  Just look for a swampy wetland and listen for their unmistakable whistling calls. Once you hear it you will never forget it.

Cheers.

Ron B