Black-bellied Whistling Duck - Ecology

Ecology

The Black-bellied Whistling Duck is a common but wary species. It is highly gregarious, forming large flocks when not breeding, and is largely resident apart from local movements. It usually nests in hollow trees. The 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. This species can also be seen "loafing" (doing nothing in particular except hanging around and socializing) in flocks on golf courses and other grassy areas near suitable waterways.