Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Black-bellied Whistling Duck" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for the Waterbirds of the 50 States Texas/Black-bellied Whistling Duck. Nearly invisible under leafy cover, the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks perch straight and still. Then suddenly the birds burst into the air, wings a-flutter, filling the air with loud, clear whistles of pe-che-che-ne. Seen from below, the birds' unusually large wings match their black bellies in color. It is this black belly that earned these tree ducks their name. Although named for this black puffed-up belly, this goose-like bird is actually more noted for his coral bill, cinnamon-brown crown and long pink legs. When flying over a feeding place -- a marsh or shallow pond -- the birds brake for a landing, gangling necks and long legs angled toward the water. Wading in the shallow water, they snip their favorite weed and grass seeds for their meal. The slightest disturbance immediately ends their hunt and the birds -- no great swimmers -- head for the woods. In Mexico, where the Black-bellied Whistling Duck abounds and reputedly destroys much grain, he is known as poto maizal, the Cornfield Duck. In the brush country of Texas, the bird can also be found. There, mated birds incubate their twelve to sixteen cream-white eggs in cavities of elms, willows, and other trees. When it comes time for the downy ducklings to leave their comfortable dwelling, they tumble to the ground and follow their parents to the water. Later, at summer's end when cold winds signal winter's arrival, the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks will leave Texas and head south to a warmer home.

Image Size: 10 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 17.25 x 19.25 in.
Unframed.
(B08448)

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