West Indian whistling duck

The West Indian whistling duck, also known as the black-billed whistling duck or Cuban whistling duck, is a captivating bird native to the Caribbean. These ducks inhabit several islands, including the Bahamas, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. While they generally remain in their local areas, some may undertake short-distance movements.

These ducks typically nest in a variety of locations and lay between 10 to 16 eggs per clutch. They are nocturnal and prefer a covert lifestyle, thriving in wooded swamps and mangroves where they feed on various plant materials, including the fruit of the Royal Palm.

In terms of appearance, the West Indian whistling duck is the largest and darkest species in its genus. They possess a long black bill, an elongated head, and relatively long legs. Their distinctive features include a pale foreneck, a light brown face, and dark brown to black plumage with white underparts speckled with black. Juveniles resemble adults but exhibit duller coloration.

Unfortunately, these ducks face numerous threats, including hunting, habitat loss due to development and agriculture, wetland degradation, pollution, and predation. To address these challenges, many regions have enacted legal protections. Since 1997, the West Indian Whistling Duck Working Group has been dedicated to conserving this species. They advocate for extensive surveys, monitoring programs, habitat conservation initiatives, stronger law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns.