Wood Duck

Wood Ducks are noticeably smaller than the mallards they may congregate with. The average Wood Duck measures about 15 inches in length. During breeding season, the male Wood Duck may be the most colorful bird around, with patches or streaks of green, white, maroon, beige, white, blue, and purple. The male is dark above with a green and purple head highlighted by prominent white streaks and markings. Its bill is yellow, red, white, and black, and its eye is black surrounded by a conspicuous red circle. The male has a maroon breast and beige underparts. The wings show blue patches. The female is brown, with a large white eye circle and bright blue wing patches. Male Wood Ducks go through a plumage change in late summer. During this time, male Wood Ducks appear pale and much less colorful. This plumage is known as "eclipse plumage". Wood Ducks eat aquatic insects, plants, and small crustaceans.

Wood Ducks are among the few ducks that actually nest in natural cavities or even man-made nesting boxes. Wood Duck chicks must sometimes tumble 50 feet or more from a tree cavity to the ground.