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Bird Identification

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Wood Duck

Aix sponsa Length: 18"

Look For

A medium-sized duck that may hold the title of Most Beautiful among waterfowl, the male Wood Duck, in breeding plumage, is a rainbow of colors. In late summer, males in eclipse (that is, dull and drab) plumage resemble females. Wood Ducks are fast flyers, and often call in flight.

Listen For

Female Wood Ducks give a high-pitched, excited, two-part whistle: uh-wheek! They also give a softer series of rapid whistles: oh-oh-oh-oh./p>

Find

Considered one of our perching ducks for their habit of perching, roosting, and nesting in trees. A scan of the trees and snags in wooded swamps, along quiet rivers, and in forested marshes will often reveal Wood Ducks dabbling, or sitting quietly.

Remember

In flight, Woodies appear long-tailed compared to other common ducks. Wood Ducks will use nest boxes, and human-supplied housing has contributed to this species' population comeback during the past 60 years.

Wow!

Just one day after they hatch, Wood Duck babies leap from the nest cavity.

This profile is an excerpt from The Young Birder's Guide by Bill Thompson, III. Purchase an autographed copy from our nature store, and check out other BWD titles designed to help you identify backyard birds.

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