ExploreBird

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

The Wood Duck is a colorful duck with bright feathers! It likes to nest in tree cavities and can often be seen perched on branches.

Habitat: Wooded swamps and marshes

Appearance

The Wood Duck has a striking appearance; males boast an iridescent green-purple head with white stripes, a bright red eye, and a chestnut breast. Females are duller grey-brown with a distinctive white eye-patch, making them easily identifiable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusAix

Wood Duck

Interesting facts

Males have incredible iridescent feathers that shimmer with every movement!

They are one of the only duck species with strong claws for perching in trees!

Wood Duck ducklings safely jump from tree nests over 50 feet high!

Wood Ducks famously "dump" eggs into other ducks' nests for them to raise!

Special abilities

Wood Duck can nest and perch high in tree cavities because of strong claws that help them grip bark.

Wood Duck can fly swiftly through dense wooded areas, helping them escape predators and navigate tight spaces.

Wood Duck can dive underwater for short periods to snatch up hidden aquatic insects and seeds.

Female Wood Ducks sometimes lay eggs in other duck nests, ensuring more of their ducklings hatch.

Measurements & details

Length: 47-54 cm
Wingspan: 66-73 cm
Weight: 0.5-0.9 kg
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Top Speed: 64 km/h
Clutch Size: 6-15
Incubation: 28-32 days
Migration Distance: 1000 km

Diet & Feeding

Wood Ducks feast on a mix of plants and insects found near water!

Age differences: Ducklings primarily eat insects for protein, adults shift more to plants.

Primary Foods

acorns
seeds
berries
aquatic insects
small fish
tadpoles

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

hunts adults and ducklings.

eaten by

American Mink

Mustela vison

preys on eggs and ducklings near water.

depends on

North American Beaver

Castor canadensis

beaver dams create ideal flooded forest habitat.

eats

Red Oak

Quercus rubra

relies on their acorns as a key food source.

depends on

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

uses their old nesting cavities.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Webbed Feet

These animals have special feet with skin between their toes, which helps them swim super fast!

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Arboreal

Climb high with animals who love living in trees! These agile creatures find their food, shelter, and even raise their families among the branches.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.