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.
| 🇫🇷 | Canard branchu |
| 🇩🇪 | Brautente |
| 🇲🇽 | Pato joyuyo |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
How to Identify
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.
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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 |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Videos
Videos are hosted on YouTube. Click on a thumbnail to watch it.
Where and When to Spot
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.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| 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 | - | - |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | - |
| Parc de la Frayère | - | 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 our park visit journals.
Questions & Answers
Delve deeper into distribution, habitat, behavior, and ecological role of the Wood Duck (Aix sponsa). Click on a question to uncover the answer.
Is the Wood Duck related to the Mandarin Duck?
Yes, the Wood Duck and the Mandarin Duck are the only two members of the genus Aix, and they are considered close relatives. They both exhibit colorful plumage and share similar breeding habits.
Does the Wood Duck nest in trees?
Yes, it is one of the few duck species that can perch on branches and utilize tree cavities for nesting. They typically prefer large trees near water, but they will also use nest boxes if available.
Can the Wood Duck chicks fly soon after hatching?
No, its chicks cannot fly until they are about 8-10 weeks old. However, they can jump from their nest to the ground or water when they are only one day old without getting hurt.
Does the Wood Duck have a crest on its head?
Yes, this duck species has a distinctive crest on its head, which is more prominent in males than in females. The crest can be raised or lowered depending on the bird's mood.
Is the Wood Duck a migratory bird?
Yes, this duck species is a migratory bird that travels between its breeding grounds in northern and eastern North America and its wintering grounds in southern and western North America, as well as Central America and the Caribbean.
Does the Wood Duck eat only plants?
No, this duck species is an omnivorous bird that consumes both plants and animals. Its diet includes seeds, nuts, fruits, aquatic plants, insects, snails, worms, and small fish.
Is the Wood Duck native to North America?
Yes, this duck species is native to North America, where it is widely distributed across both eastern and western regions. It is also found in certain parts of Central America and the Caribbean.
Does the Wood Duck have webbed feet?
Yes, this species possesses webbed feet, like most ducks. These webbed feet facilitate swimming and paddling in the water, as well as walking on muddy or slippery surfaces.
Does the Wood Duck have a short bill?
Yes, it has a relatively short bill compared to other ducks. The bill is also narrow and pointed, aiding in picking up seeds and nuts from the water or the ground.
Does the Wood Duck exhibit sexual dimorphism?
Yes, this duck species displays sexual dimorphism, meaning that males and females have different physical appearances. The males exhibit more colorful and patterned plumage than the females, particularly during the breeding season.
Does the Wood Duck produce any sounds?
Yes, this duck species emits various sounds depending on the situation. Males produce high-pitched whistling sounds, while females emit loud quacking sounds. The chicks, on the other hand, emit soft peeping sounds.
Is the Wood Duck a large-sized duck?
No, it is a medium-sized duck, with a body length of approximately 50 cm and a wingspan of about 70 cm. Males are slightly larger than females. On average, the Wood Duck weighs about 500 to 700 grams.