Pichichi Aliblanco

I went out this morning to look for a Wood duck that has reputedly been seen with 19 ducklings; I am quite glad I didn't find her, as I would have been hard pressed to choose my blip today. A Wood duck with far too many babies, or a pair of one of only two species of Whistling duck in the USA? Humm, a hard one. Maybe she will be there tomorrow, or the next day...

The Black-bellied Whistling-duck also called Black-bellied Tree Duck breeds from the southernmost United States and tropical Central to south-central South America. It is widely known as pichichi aliblanco (white-winged) in Latin America to differentiate it from other whistling ducks. It is an unusual species among North American waterfowl. Due to its unique appearance, this species is almost unmistakable. With an upright stance, long pink legs, and long neck, adult black-bellied whistling-ducks are unlikely to be confused with any other bird within their range It is a common but wary species but highly gregarious, forming large flocks when not breeding, It usually nests in hollow trees. Their habitat is quiet shallow freshwater ponds, lakes, and marshes, cultivated land or reservoirs with plentiful vegetation, where this duck feeds mainly at night on seeds and other plant food. Tree-lined bodies of water are of particular value and as the old common name suggests, they are quite fond of perching in trees. They are being bred in captivity as ornamental species, but I have never seen one, either domestically or in the wild. They are not native to Florida and the wild ones, that are breeding here now, have been introduced. I chose this picture, where the second bird is a bit distracting, over this one, as I love the wing colour, and the drops of water falling from his feet.