Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

The Wood Duck is a stunningly colorful bird found in North America. Males have iridescent green and purple heads, red eyes, and a distinctive white throat patch, while females have a grayish-brown head and white eye-ring. They are known for their striking plumage and unique, elaborate courtship displays. Wood Ducks prefer wooded swamps, marshes, and forested ponds for breeding, and they are cavity nesters, often using abandoned woodpecker holes. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, and aquatic invertebrates. Due to habitat loss and hunting, conservation efforts have been made to protect and restore their wetland habitats.

Habitat: Wooded swamps, marshes, forested ponds