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.
we have lots of beautiful wood ducks here in florida. kali and i saw a male and female flying across the pond up in maryland last week, too, so i guess they survive in all weather types :)
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