On August 23rd, a nestling Black-Bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) arrived at CROW after a frightening encounter with a hawk. The finder reported seeing the hawk pick up the duckling before dropping the young bird into their pond.

At intake, patient 26-3922 was slightly dull and dehydrated. Examination revealed significant hyphema (bleeding within the eye) affecting both eyes. The duckling also had a pronounced head tilt, several small abrasions, and blood along the right side of the bill. These findings raised concern for head trauma sustained during the encounter.

The duckling has shown gradual improvement. Within two weeks of admission, the hyphema in both eyes had completely resolved, and its head tilt has shown slight improvement. Recovery from neurologic trauma can take time, so the team continues to monitor the duckling closely for further improvement.

Currently, the duckling is eating independently, gaining weight, and socializing well with another duckling in the enclosure. These are encouraging signs as the young bird continues to grow and recover.

For now, the veterinary and rehabilitation teams will continue supportive care while closely monitoring the duckling’s vision, neurologic function, behavior, weight, and development. Continued improvement in the head tilt and visual acuity will be important in determining the next steps in the duckling’s rehabilitation.

About Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks

Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks are found throughout parts of the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. In the United States, they are especially abundant along the Gulf Coast, although their breeding range has expanded northward in recent decades.

While historically considered largely non-migratory, some populations, particularly those in the northern portions of their range, do migrate south. Here at CROW, several families of Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks can often be spotted around our marshes!

These distinctive birds are easily recognized by their bright pinkish-red bills, long pink legs, and striking black bellies. Males and females look very similar, making it difficult to distinguish between the sexes based on appearance alone.

True to their name, they are also highly vocal and known for their distinctive, high-pitched whistling calls. Around CROW, you may hear them before you see them!

CROW Case A Week stories are patient features written by Jordan Bryant, CROW’s Education and Marketing Intern. These stories appear weekly in Santiva Chronicle.