Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

The wood duck is a dabbling duck with a long squared tail and a sharp bill. Its appearance varies depending on sex.

Males, or drakes, have:

• A distinctive head patterned with white stripes and patches of iridescent green and purple.
• A swept-back crest.
• Red eyes.
• A reddish-orange bill.
• A chestnut breast.

Females, or hens, are a dull mottled brown with a white eye patch and a short crest.

Wood ducks grow to 20 inches with a wingspan of about 28 inches.

Where does the wood duck live?

Wood ducks are found in wooded swamps, wetlands and marshes, as well as along the edges of rivers, lakes and streams. They are common in the Bay region throughout the year, except in winter.

What does the wood duck eat?

Wood ducks feed on seeds from trees, wetland plants and underwater bay grasses, including acorns, wild rice and pondweed.

What does the wood duck sound like?

Male wood ducks make a “hoo-w-et” call, while females emit a “crr-ek.”

Where does the wood duck nest and breed?

Wood ducks nest from April through June in tree cavities and man-made nest boxes. They use their long, squared tails and sharp claws to move through trees and reach their nesting sites.

• Wood duck nests are located no more than a mile from water. Females use down feathers and debris from the tree cavity to make their nest.
• The female lays nine to 12 eggs that hatch in about a month.
• Within 24 hours of hatching, the wood ducklings climb out of the nest and fall to the ground. The female leads her ducklings to the nearest water body.
• Young wood ducks are able to fly about 60 days after hatching. Prior to bring able to fly, the young are protected by their mother.

Other facts about the wood duck:

• The wood duck is the only dabbling duck in the Chesapeake region to nest in tree cavities.
• Aix sponsa, the wood duck’s scientific name, translates to “waterfowl in a bridal dress.”