The Wood Duck

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This bird can be found all over the United States, but is most common on the east side of the country and migrate south to Mexico over the winter. According to allaboutbirds.org - the wood duck is one of the most stunning waterfowls, with the males being a chestnut green and having ornate patterns on almost every feather. In contrast, the females are brown with delicate patterns around the eyes.

These birds live in wooded swamps, where they nest in trees or nest boxes placed around lake margins. They're also one of the few ducks that have strong claws that can grip bark and perch on branches.

Bird Facts

Forages in water by taking food from the surface or submerging head and neck. Also walks on land.

(Source: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/wood-duck)

Will lay eggs, anywhere from 6 to 15. Females will frequently lay eggs in each others' nests and sometimes "dump nests" where no incubation ever takes place.

Incubation happens by the female only for 25-35 days.

(Source: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/wood-duck)

Ducklings remain in their nest until the morning after hatching. Once they hatch, they cling to the captivity entrance with their sharp claws and brace with their tails. They jump to the ground and the female Wood Ducks tend to the young for about 5-6 weeks. The young are capable of flight at about 8-9 weeks.

(Source: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/wood-duck)

Males pose in such a way that shows off their colorful plumage.

Nest sites are in large tree captivities near water, up to 65 ft. above ground. Or they are in man-made nest boxes provided around a body of water.

(Source: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/wood-duck)

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