Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 18.5–21.3 in
47–54 cm - Wingspan
- 26–28.7 in
66–73 cm - Weight
- 16–30.4 oz
454–862 g
Other Names
- Canard branchu (French)
- Pato de charreteras (Spanish)
Cool Facts
Natural cavities for nesting are scarce, and the Wood Duck readily uses nest boxes provided for it. If nest boxes are placed too close together, many females lay eggs in the nests of other females. These "dump" nests can have up to 40 eggs.
- The Wood Duck nests in trees near water, sometimes directly over water, but other times up to 2 km (1.2 mi) away. After hatching, the ducklings jump down from the nest tree and make their way to water. The mother calls them to her, but does not help them in any way. The ducklings may jump from heights of up to 89 m (290 ft) without injury.
- The Wood Duck is a popular game bird, and is second only to the Mallard in numbers shot each year in the United States.
- Wood Ducks pair up in January, and most birds arriving at the breeding grounds in the spring are already paired. The Wood Duck is the only North American duck that regularly produces two broods in one year.
Habitat
Lake/Pond
Found in forested wetlands, including along rivers, swamps, marshes, ponds, and lakes.
Food
Insects
Seeds, acorns, fruits, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 6–40 eggs
- Egg Description
- Glossy creamy white to tan.
- Condition at Hatching
- Hatch covered in down and able to leave the nest soon after.
Nest Description
Nest in preformed cavities in trees or nest boxes. Lined with down from female's breast.
Nest Placement
Cavity
Behavior
Dabbler
Moves rapidly and pecks and dabbles on water surface. May tip-up or dive for submerged food items.
Conservation
Least Concern
Declined dramatically in late 19th century, but recovered in 20th. Current populations stable or increasing.
Credits
- Hepp, G. R., and F. C. Bellrose. 1995. Wood Duck (Aix sponsa). In The Birds of North America, No. 169 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.