Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck at Orlando Wetlands Park

You know the phrase, "If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck"  Well, Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks [gallery] are proof that the converse is not true.  They may look like ducks, but they don't really swim like ducks, and they certainly don't quack like ducks.  They perch in trees and they whistle--that's right, whistle.  So, of course, these are my absolute favorite ducks.

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck at Orlando Wetlands Park

These ducks can be found at Viera Wetlands at certain times during the year, but Orlando Wetlands Park is the place to go if you want to see them. They're everywhere, and you can walk up pretty close to them. These ducks alone are reason enough to visit Orlando Wetlands Park.  Look for the dead trees on the Birding Loop of the park, and yous should be able to find them.

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck at Orlando Wetlands Park

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck at Orlando Wetlands Park

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck at Viera Wetlands

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck at Viera Wetlands