Wood Duck
Aix sponsa

The Wood Duck gets its name because it nests in trees and perches on branches. It frequents wooded and swampy habitats and builds its nest in a hollow tree. The Wood Duck is a dabbling duck.

A male Wood Duck in breeding plumage is one of the most beautiful ducks in the world. In flight, it can be recognized by its white belly, its long, square tail and its drooping head. The female is much less colourful.

After finishing incubation, the female starts to moult, whereas the male moults shortly after mating. The moult leaves them unable to fly for about three weeks. In the fall, both sexes regain their breeding plumage.

This bird can be found around shallow lakes or ponds in wooded areas where old trees have cavities suitable for nesting. Its sharp claws enable it to perch on stumps and branches.

The duck’s diet is composed mainly of fruit and seeds from terrestrial and aquatic plants, such as acorns, beechnuts and water-lily seeds. However, the ducklings eat insects primarily.

The Wood Duck nests in old woodpecker holes, natural tree cavities and nest boxes installed for its use. The female generally lays 12 eggs, which she incubates alone once she has finished laying; incubation lasts 27 to 37 days. This is the only species of duck in North America that can nest twice a year. After hatching, the ducklings remain in the nest for one day. Then, encouraged by the female’s ceaseless calling, they climb up to the nest entrance using their claws and the end of their beak, then let themselves fall to the ground or, best of all, the water, where they rejoin their mother. Luckily, their thick down and light weight usually protect them from injury. The nesting site is not always close to water and some broods must walk more than 1.5 km to get there. The female cares for the ducklings for 30 to 60 days. The young are able to fly after 56 to 70 days.