Wood Duck

A Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) is a medium-sized perching duck found in North America. They are renowned for the male's striking, iridescent plumage, making them one of the most colorful birds on the continent.

The male Wood Duck, or drake, is easily identified by its glossy green and purple head with a crested crown and a white chin strap. Its chest is a rich maroon, and its flanks are a buff color. The female is less vibrant, with a grayish-brown body and a distinctive white teardrop-shaped patch around her eye.

Wood Ducks are found in forested wetlands, swamps, ponds, and rivers, especially those with plenty of trees and overhanging branches. As their name suggests, they are unique in that they nest in tree cavities, often using old woodpecker holes or specially placed nest boxes.

Their diet consists mainly of plant matter, including acorns, seeds, and berries. They also eat aquatic invertebrates like insects and snails. They forage by dabbling in shallow water or on the ground.

Wood Ducks are one of the few duck species that have strong, sharp claws that allow them to perch and grip onto tree branches. When their ducklings hatch, they jump from the nest cavity to the forest floor, often from great heights, to follow their mother to the water. They are a protected species, and their populations have recovered significantly after being threatened by habitat loss and overhunting in the early 20th century.