The Dendrocygna autumnalis, commonly known as the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, is native to the Americas. Its geographical distribution includes parts of the southern United States, through Central America, and into northern South America. Specifically, it is found in countries such as the United States (particularly in southern Texas and Arizona), Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.

The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck inhabits a variety of wetland environments, including freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, and flooded lowlands. It prefers areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and readily available water bodies, often in open or semi-open areas. The climate in these regions is typically tropical to subtropical, with adequate rainfall and a warm temperature range that supports its wetland habitat needs.

As a waterfowl species, the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck plays a role in the ecosystem primarily as a seed disperser and consumer of aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates. Its feeding habits include dabbling and foraging in shallow waters and on land. The species is known for its distinctive whistling calls and is often observed resting in trees near water bodies, which is unusual for ducks. This behavior indicates its adaptation to both terrestrial and aquatic environments.