Whistling ducks are more closely related to geese than to other ducks.
The have long necks and an erect posture.
The were foremorely called "tree ducks.
" They are known for their high pitched calls.
The Black Bellied Whisting Duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis, and the Fulvous Whistling Duck, Dendrocygna bicolor, are similar in size and shape.
Both are found in southern Texas and Florida, though the Fulvous is uncommon.
The Black Bellied Whistling Duck's most striking feature is its black belly.
It has a brown breast and lower half of its neck.
The upper half of its neck and its head is white.
It has a brown stripe from its bill across the center of its head to its back, where it blends in with the brown back.
In flight, its wings are white with a black stripe across the back of them.
Also notable is its bill, which is bright coral red.
Its legs are also rust-colored.
The immature duck has a grey bill and grey legs.
They are often found in large flocks in ponds, resacas, and fresh marshes.
It can frequently be seen perching in trees.
The typical birdhouse for the Black Bellied Whistling Duck measures 24.
25" high X 11" wide X 15.
5" deep.
It is usually made of 1" thick sustainably grown Eastern White Pine.
Features should include: appropriate ventilation; a wire ladder to help the ducklings climb out; drainage; a lower side guard to protect the nest when the side is open for observation.
It should come with wood chips to provide nesting material.
Black Bellied Whistling Ducks require a larger opening than Wood Ducks do.
However, Wood Ducks nest earlier than the Whistling Ducks and so may use the birdhouse first, before the Black Bellies arrive.
So you may find that both species use the birdhouse in a single season!