Black bellied whistling ducks :)
These little guys have worked hard to become the universal Downy Duckling Day favourite this year, and they really do deserve it!!
The black-bellied or southern red-billed whistling duck is a relatively
common duck native to the southern USA, Mexico and South America. Typically non-migratory with a great deal of lazy character, these ducks live relatively cosy lives dabbling at the edges of golf courses, modern developments and cultivated land as well as the more natural marshes that they have come to call home. They have come back from the threats of over-hunting and habitat destruction with remarkably good grace; adapting to their new environment with a certain amount of flair! Pairs are believed to be monogamous; a rare occurrence for duck species compared to geese and swans.
They nest naturally in tree hollows or cavities but have latterly learnt to use ground nests as well as nest boxes provided for their cause. Clutches can range from 8 eggs to 18 eggs, spherical in shape and visibly porous, with very little nesting material or vegetative matter to protect them. The ducklings hatch out to all extents and purposes like little fluffy bumblebees! Their distinct black and yellow stripes and rotund shape make them appear to levitate upon their spindly long legs as if they are floating. Their general attitude in captivity is also hilarious, copying the traditional whistling duck aspect of sticking their bottoms out to face the danger, and in this case scrumming their clutch-mate into the wall! They often manage to sleep standing up, with their heads rested on the shoulder of a friend looking absolutely gorgeous.
As they grow their delightful aspect does not change. Learning very quickly that their keepers are of no threat they begin to mouth angrily at you as you pass as if warning you off their patch. Typically there is a ring-leader who initiates this, and then a few others will flank him as well as if saying "yeah go on!!" They look super smart throughout their early lives, well preened and tidy until they hit the teenage stage when suddenly their gorgeous stripes become interspersed with dull.. brown.. feathers...
Suddenly before you know it the magic has all gone. Thankfully that is still a little way off yet this year...
13/06/11 Magellan Mo: Hope these little stars are still attractive by the time we can get to see them! Well done Phoebe for nurturing them as is your Life's Purpose! Mo
