photo:K.Law

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

Considered by many to be the most beautiful of North American waterfowl, the wood duck is a perching duck that normally nests in cavities in trees.

Appearance

• Medium sized perching duck
• Breeding male has an iridescent green and white crested head, red eyes, red and white bill, chestnut breast, golden flanks and iridescent back
• Female is a drab version of the male but is considered striking compared to other duck hens

Breeding

• Wood ducks typically pair on the wintering grounds or on the return migration to the breeding grounds
• Arrive on breeding grounds in April
• Nests in preformed tree cavities made by tree diseases, fire scars, lightning, and cavity-making birds like pileated woodpeckers for nest sites and also use artificial nest boxes
• Females lay 7-15 white-tan eggs which they incubate for an average of 30 days
• Male begins to spend less time with female once she begins incubating eggs
• Females stay with young until they have fledged and then leave to undergo a feather moult

Habitat: Wooded wetlands, rivers, streams, lake and river edges.