Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)
The Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) is a strikingly colorful, medium-sized migratory bird known for its unique ability to perch on trees. Once on the brink of extinction due to overhunting for its vibrant feathers, conservation efforts have helped it thrive across North America today.
Common Names
| 🇨🇦 | Wood Duck |
| 🇫🇷 | Canard branchu |
| 🇩🇪 | Brautente |
| 🇲🇽 | Pato joyuyo |
Taxonomy
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
Characteristics
| Length | 47-54cm |
| Weight | 454-862g |
| Wingspan | 66-73cm |
| Clutch Size | 6-16 eggs |
| Incubation | 28-37 days |
| Fledging | 56-70 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
Explore More
📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.
Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings
The Wood Duck is a migratory bird that winters in the southern regions of the United States. During its stay around Montreal, this species can be observed in forested areas with ponds. A favored location for observing these birds is Parc de Prairies, particularly in the spring.
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | x | x | x | - |
| Parc Angrignon | x | x | - | - |
| Parc Bernard-Landry | x | x | x | - |
| Parc Mont Saint-Bruno | x | x | - | - |
| Parc de la Frayère | - | x | - | - |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from my park visit journals.
Identification and Similar Species
The male Wood Duck is easily recognizable by its vibrant and distinctive plumage, particularly around the head. In contrast, females are characterized by a yellow ring around their eyes, encircled by a white ring of feathers. Both sexes possess a beak that is predominantly red with a subtle black tip.
Photography Tips
Parc Bernard-Landry is an excellent location to photograph the Wood Duck. This species can be observed here throughout most seasons, particularly in spring. The small pond at the park's center offers opportunities for close-up shots of both males and females. Although there are nesting sites in the park, sightings of ducklings have been rare recently.
For a higher likelihood of observing and photographing ducklings, we recommend visiting the Jardin Botanique de Montréal. The larger ponds here increase the chances of encountering Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) ducklings.
Captured Moments
Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.
Preening Recorded 2023-07-30 in Jardin Botanique Montréal 
Foraging Recorded 2022-06-04 in Jardin Botanique Montréal 
Bathing Recorded 2022-06-04 in Jardin Botanique Montréal
All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz
Last updated: 2025-01-05