Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks Seen in Riverhills Park

Last Saturday morning I saw two unusual ducks in the Hillsborough River close to the boardwalk in Riverhills Park.  There were lots of the usual water birds swimming around; gallinules, coots, several types of ducks, but this pair really stood out.  I've been observing bird life on the river for a number of years now and didn't recognize them.  At first I was thinking fulvous tree duck but this wasn't quite right.  My usually reliable bird guides didn't help either.  Finally, going to the duck entries of the Florida Game and Fish website, there they were.  Black-bellied whistling ducks.  The Cornell Lab of Ornithology lists them as well.  I was delighted to see a new species and even happier when I read more about these beautiful birds.

BBWDs are true southern ducks.  We are near their northern range although a few have been spotted in northern counties near the Georgia border.  These ducks have striking coloration:  black bellies and a rufous chest and back, separated by a flashy white wing patch.  They also have bright red beaks, which I've not observed in other ducks.  They sit tall in the water and have long necks.  These ducks are tree lovers (so I wasn't too wrong in thinking fulvous) and will nest in boxes or tree cavities.  I haven't seen them in the days since but hope they're still around.  I didn't have my camera or cell phone so couldn't take a picture, but here attach a photo from Wikipedia which shows their main features.  I think you'll recognize one if you see it.