Today's portrait is of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks at sunset.  Whistling-Ducks are named for their  whistling calls; previously they were known as "Tree-Ducks" because they nest and frequently perch or roost in trees.  Since both are true, "whistling" evidently provides a greater distinction.  

Whistling-Ducks inhabit the Neotropics of North, Central, and South America.   The species' range extends south from Texas and Louisiana through Mexico and Central America into Ecuador, Brazil, and Argentina.   While active in daytime, the birds feed primarily at night on seeds and vegetation submerged in shallow water.

Tom and Nancy 

"A Moment with Nature" (TM).  Photo and text - copyright 2012 by Thomas E. Ramsay and Nancy Goetzinger.