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Wood Duck Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Wood Ducks have a unique shape among ducks—a boxy, crested head, a thin neck, and a long, broad tail. In flight, they hold their head up high, sometimes bobbing it. Overall, their silhouette shows a skinny neck, long body, thick tail, and short wings.

    Relative Size

    Relative Sizebetween crow and goosebetween crow and goose

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 18.5-21.3 in (47-54 cm)
      • Weight: 16.0-30.4 oz (454-862 g)
      • Wingspan: 26.0-28.7 in (66-73 cm)

    Shape of the Wood Duck© Ryan Schain / Macaulay Library