What kind of ducks are these?

So what are these ducks that kind of look like geese, seem to be increasing in numbers in South Louisiana, and how do they taste? These ducks are tree ducks, and more specifically, from left to right, are called Black-bellied tree ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) and Fulvous tree ducks (Dendrocygna bicolor). They have various common names such as whistling ducks and Mexican squealers and within the scientific community, using their species is a much more accurate way of describing them, but I have a feeling that won't take off. Common names have so much more character than stuffy scientific names. Can you imagine, "Hey Boudreaux, get ya chew down, there's a flock of autumnalis comin' in." "Fontenot, take the gratin out ya eyes, those are bicolors." It's just not going to happen. Anyway, they seem to be here to stay, increasing in numbers, and are considered part of your limit.

So how do they taste? Drum roll........, they taste great. The down side is they can be difficult to pluck by hand, but waxing is a much better method, although they may be the toughest ducks to wax with the poorest results since their feathers hold on to the skin like Thibodeaux holds on to his link of boudin. However, they fly really slow and can make even the worst shots feel like Chris Kyle. Give them a shot next time your in the blind and let us know how they turn out on the table.

French translations:

Boudreaux- common south Louisiana last name

Fontenot- common south Louisiana last name

Thibodeaux- common south Louisiana last name

Chew-Ass

Boudin- popular south Louisiana "sausage" made of rice, pork, vegetables, and seasoning

Image acknowledgements: Audubon.org, Feathersite.com