Wood Duck
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/46956042@N00">Arjan Haverkamp</a> (CC BY 2.0)
NameWood Duck
Common NameWood Duck
Scientific NameAix sponsa
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)69.5
Length (cm)50.5
Weight (g)656
Plumage DetailsThe male Wood Duck exhibits a spectacular iridescent green and purple crested head with bold white stripes, a bright red eye, and a red bill with a black tip. Its breast is a rich chestnut, flanks are buff with a black and white stripe, and its back is dark, iridescent blue-black.
Vocalization / CallMales typically produce a rising, squealing whistle, often described as 'jeeeeee'. Females have a loud, drawn-out 'oo-eek' or 'wheet-wheet' call, particularly when startled or flying.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswooded swamps, marshes, ponds, rivers, lakes, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to North America, breeding across much of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, and along the Pacific coast from British Columbia to California. Winters primarily in the southern U.S. and Mexico.
Identifying Featuresiridescent green and purple crested head, red eye, white facial stripes, chestnut breast, buff flanks with black and white stripe, red bill
Description
The Wood Duck is a medium-sized perching duck known for its stunningly colorful plumage, especially the male. They inhabit wooded wetlands, where they forage for a variety of plant matter and invertebrates, and are unique among ducks for nesting in tree cavities.
