The wood duck is a visually striking and distinctive waterfowl species found across North America. It is admired for its vibrant plumage and elegant form.
The Male’s Dazzling Display
The male wood duck, also known as a drake, showcases a spectacular array of colors, especially during breeding season. Its head features an iridescent purplish-green crest that sweeps back. Prominent white lines outline its face and extend from behind the eye, creating a distinctive pattern. The male’s eyes are a striking bright red, complementing its unique bill, which is a mix of red, yellow, white, and black.
The chest of the male wood duck is a rich chestnut or burgundy, speckled with white spots. Its flanks display a golden or buffy hue with fine, dark, wavy patterns, contrasting with a white belly. The back and wings are largely black with iridescent green and blue tones. During late summer, males undergo an “eclipse plumage” where their colors become duller and more subdued, resembling the female, but they retain their bright eyes and bill.
Female and Young Ducks
The female wood duck presents a more subdued appearance compared to the male, with overall gray-brown plumage that provides camouflage. She has a less prominent crest than the male, but it is still noticeable. A key identifying feature is the white, teardrop-shaped patch surrounding her eye. Her breast is typically gray-brown and may be speckled with white, fading to a white belly.
Wood duck ducklings are fluffy and primarily dark above with pale yellowish underparts. They possess a unique “eye line” that starts at the eye, distinguishing them from other ducklings like Mallards where the line extends from the beak. Immature wood ducks generally resemble adult females, appearing gray-brown with dark eyes and a gray bill. As they mature, male juveniles gradually develop the more vibrant colors and red eyes characteristic of adult drakes.
Beyond Plumage: Identifying Characteristics
Wood ducks possess a unique physical form, characterized by a boxy, crested head, a relatively thin neck, and a long, broad tail. The crest is present in both sexes, though more pronounced in males. Their body length typically ranges from 19 to 21 inches, with a wingspan between 26 and 29 inches.
In flight, wood ducks are agile and fast, navigating through wooded areas with ease. Their silhouette shows a skinny neck, a thick body, and short, broad wings, aiding in maneuvering through dense foliage. When swimming, they often hold their head high and may bob it back and forth. They are also one of the few duck species with strong claws, allowing them to perch comfortably on tree branches.