Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)
Description: Male: Unmistakable in breeding plumage, Bright red eye and multi-colored bill are very distinguishing. Female: head shape similar to male but plumage is dull brown with a iridescent wing patch. The white eye ring is a conspicuous and defining field mark for identifying the female.
Nest: In a natural cavity, nest box or old Pileated Woodpecker hole. Only added materials are the mother's down feathers. Distance from water and height of nest is variable.
Eggs: 6-14 creamy-tan eggs.
Diet: Aquatic vegetation, seeds, invertebrates and nuts. Forages by gleaning food from the surface of the water or tipping up to reach food deeper underwater.
Habitat: Beaver ponds, slow rivers, woodland ponds, marshes and small lakes. Common migrants from March to early May and from September to early November. Vegetated watercourses are preferred for breeding. Unlike most ducks, Wood ducks have the unique ability to perch in trees. Their claws enable them to hold onto branches making for an odd sight when first encountered.
Nest: In a natural cavity, nest box or old Pileated Woodpecker hole. Only added materials are the mother's down feathers. Distance from water and height of nest is variable.
Eggs: 6-14 creamy-tan eggs.
Diet: Aquatic vegetation, seeds, invertebrates and nuts. Forages by gleaning food from the surface of the water or tipping up to reach food deeper underwater.
Habitat: Beaver ponds, slow rivers, woodland ponds, marshes and small lakes. Common migrants from March to early May and from September to early November. Vegetated watercourses are preferred for breeding. Unlike most ducks, Wood ducks have the unique ability to perch in trees. Their claws enable them to hold onto branches making for an odd sight when first encountered.