Wood Duck
NameWood Duck
Common NameWood Duck
Scientific NameAix sponsa
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)70
Length (cm)50
Weight (g)650
Plumage DetailsMales are strikingly colorful with an iridescent green and purple crested head, white lines on the face, a red eye, and a chestnut breast. Their flanks are buff with a white stripe, and their back is dark. Females are duller, primarily gray-brown with a distinctive white tear-drop shaped eye-ring and a smaller crest.
Vocalization / CallMales typically make a rising 'jweep' whistle, while females have a loud, drawn-out 'oo-eek' call, especially when flushed.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswooded swamps, marshes, ponds, rivers, streams
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across North America, with breeding populations throughout much of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, and along the Pacific coast from British Columbia to California. They winter in the southern U.S. and Mexico.
Identifying Featuresiridescent crested head (male), white facial markings (male), red eye (male), white eye-ring (female), distinctive 'oo-eek' call (female), perching behavior
Description
The Wood Duck is a medium-sized perching duck known for its stunning iridescent plumage. They are often found in wooded wetlands, where they forage for seeds and insects, and nest in tree cavities.
