wood duck

1. Bird Name
The subject of our study is the bird commonly known as the Wood Duck. The scientific name for this species is Aix sponsa.

2. Appearance
Wood Ducks are a visually impressive species known for their colorful and intricate plumage. The male, or drake, is particularly striking, with a crested head that is a mix of green, purple, and white. Their eyes are bright red and stand out against their dark head. They have a white throat and lower neck, which transitions into a burgundy chest marked with thin, white lines. Their wings are patterned in blue and black. In sharp contrast, female Wood Ducks are mainly gray and brown but have a distinctive white eye-ring and a more discreet crested head. Both sexes display a bluish-green patch on their wings, called a speculum.

3. Size
Wood Ducks are medium-sized birds, ranging from 47 to 54 cm (18.5 to 21.3 inches) in length, with a wingspan reaching up to 73 cm (28.7 inches). Adult Wood Ducks weigh between 454 and 907 grams (16 to 32 ounces), with males averaging slightly heavier than females.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Wood Duck species is found widely across North America, particularly in the eastern parts of the continent and the Pacific Northwest. Their preferred habitats are woodlands, marshes, ponds, and streams. Wood Ducks are unique among duck species as they are comfortable nesting in mature trees, an adaptation allowed by their strong feet and sharp claws.

5. Interesting Facts
One fascinating aspect of Wood Ducks is their affinity for using tree cavities for nesting. If such spaces are limited, they can easily adapt to nesting boxes provided by humans. Another interesting fact is their practice of ‘dump-nesting,’ where a female lays eggs in the nests of other Wood Ducks, leading to ‘foster’ parents raising the young. This bird species also has a significant cultural significance to various Native American tribes, as seen in their arts and mythologies.

6. Diet
Wood Ducks have a varied diet that changes with the seasons. In the autumn and winter, they mainly eat acorns, berries, and seeds they find in their woodland habitats. During the spring and summer, their diets include more aquatic vegetation, insects, and small invertebrates, such as snails and spiders.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Wood Ducks are known for their unique high-pitched whistling call, often described as a “jeeee” sound. The males have a unique courting display where they swim before the female with their wings and tail elevated. They are also exceptional fliers, capable of weaving in and out of trees at high speed.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Wood Duck is not currently a conservation concern and is classified as “Least Concern.” However, the species experienced severe population declines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to habitat loss and overhunting. Their numbers have since rebounded thanks to conservation efforts, including the regulation of hunting and provision of nesting boxes.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, a Wood Duck’s average lifespan is about 4-8 years. In captivity, these birds can live up to 15 years with proper care.

10. Additional Notes
In French, the Wood Duck is known as Canard Branchu, and in Spanish, it’s known as Pato Joyuyo. Besides their contribution to native cultures, Wood Ducks also play an important role in their ecosystem by controlling the populations of the insects and invertebrates they consume. They also aid in spreading seeds through their droppings, supporting vegetation growth in their natural habitats.