Whistling Duck

Waterfowl Identification

The trailing legs and rounded wings of these slow flying ducks makes them look bigger than they are.
Image comparing fulvous and Black-bellied whistling ducks/UISFWS

Both species are primarily Mexican. In the U.S., the black-bellied is found only in south Texas and Louisiana. The fulvous also occurs there and in Florida with occasional stragglers further north along both coasts and the Mississippi Valley. The fulvous is the more common of the two species in the United States.

Length: 18-19"
Weight: 1 3/4 lbs.

Image comparing fulvous and Black-bellied whistling ducks wings/USFWS

Photos

 Black-bellied Distribution Map

 Fulvous Distribution Map

In Flight
In flight illustration/USFWS In flight illustration/USFWS

Sounds
Both species have shrill whistling calls.

Last Updated: November 27, 2018