The Black-Bellied Whistling Duck, is a mid-sized duck, measuring 19 to 22 inches in length and weighing between 1.437 to 2.249 pounds, is distinguished by its long wingspan ranging from 30 to 37 inches​​. Geographically, the Black-Bellied Whistling Duck breeds in a wide range from the southernmost United States through tropical Central to south-central South America​​. Within the U.S., it is a common sight year-round in peninsular Florida, parts of southeast Texas, coastal Alabama, Mississippi, and seasonally in southeast Arizona, and Louisiana's Gulf Coast​​. Dietarily, the Black-Bellied Whistling Duck predominantly consumes seeds and grains, making up the bulk of its diet. This includes seeds from various grasses and plants like smartweed. Insects, snails, and other invertebrates constitute a samll part of its diet​​. The Black-Bellied Whistling Duck is known for its gregarious nature, often found in noisy flocks. They are commonly observed foraging in fields and lounging in golf course ponds. Nesting habits are also distinctive, as they often mate for life and choose to nest in colonies, typically in tree cavities or broken-off stubs, demonstrating a preference for elevated nesting sites​​. The Black-Bellied Whistling Duck is categorized as a species of 'Least Concern', with an estimated population size ranging from 200,000 to 2,000,000 individuals that is currently increasing.