How to identify it
Long-necked and long-legged, chestnut, gray and black, with a bright pink bill. [1][2]
Where it lives
Shallow ponds and fresh marshes, favoring ponds surrounded by trees; forages in dry fields and irrigated land. [1][2]
How it behaves
Gregarious; not strongly migratory, and flocks disappear from some northern breeding areas in winter [1][2]
Forages much on land, by day or night, on waste grain in harvested fields and on prairies; wades or dabbles in shallow water [1][2]
Eats mostly seeds and grains; invertebrates under 10% of diet [1][2]
Mellow whistling calls; nests in tree cavities, nest boxes or on the ground, often in colonies [1][2]
Where it is listed for legal take
These authorities list this species for legal take in their own regulations.
Where legal take is listed
- Alabama — migratory bird hunting · Waterfowl Seasons 2026-2027 (ADCNR)
- Arkansas — migratory bird hunting · Waterfowl Season Dates, Rules & Regulations (2026-27)
- Delaware — migratory bird hunting · 2026-27 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide: Migratory Bird Seasons & Bag Limits
- Kentucky — migratory bird hunting · Kentucky Hunting & Trapping Guide, August 2026-March 2027
- Louisiana — migratory bird hunting · 2026-2027 Louisiana Hunting Regulations (updated Aug 7, 2026)
- Mississippi — migratory bird hunting · Migratory Gamebird Digest 2026-27 (MDWFP)
- Oklahoma — migratory bird hunting · Ducks, Mergansers & Coots
- South Carolina — migratory bird hunting · 2026-2027 South Carolina Hunting & Fishing Laws and Regulations Guide
Being listed is not an open season. Seasons, zones, licences, methods and limits decide whether this animal may be taken on a given day and place — check Hunt or the authority before you go. Listings read 2026-09-30.
Where it is found
Resident from southern Arizona and southeastern Texas south through Middle and South America; possibly expanding into eastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana; small flocks may wander well north of the normal range.
Sources
Every claim above is attributed to one of these published sources.
National Audubon Society · reviewed 2026-09-30
National Audubon Society
NatureServe · reviewed 2026-09-30
NatureServe