Dendrocygna bicolor

Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge, Oso Bay, Corpus Christi, TX

Looking something like a cross between a duck and a goose, this bird gets high marks for an erect posture. It has a dark gray bill and large-sized feet, with russet head and underparts. It is found primarily in fresh-water marshes, lakes and ponds, or even in flooded agricultural fields. The individual photographed here was very tame and approachable, watching over four small ducklings (not shown).