Classification name aix is from the Greek meaning, a water bird; Species name sponsa is from the Latin meaning, a betrothed in reference to its exquisite plumage. The phrase suggests "waterfowl in wedding raiments" as though prepared for a marriage. "Wood" refers to its preferred habitat.
OTHER NAMES: Acorn Duck, Bridal duck, Carolina duck, Squealer, Summer duck, the Bride, Tree duck, Woody.
Ornithologist Edward Howe Forbush in the 1920s described the wood duck's habitat beautifully with these words. "Deep flooded swamps where ancient mossy trees overhang the dark still waters, secluded pools amid the scattered pines where water lilies lift their snowy heads and turtles bask in the sun, purling brooks flowing through dense woodlands where light and shade fleck the splashing waters, slow flowing creeks and marshy ponds - these are the haunts of the Wood Duck."
In my opinion the Wood Duck drake is the most beautiful duck in North America. A glistening crested head, red eyes, and red and white bill with a chestnut breast, golden flanks and glimmering back. These all add to its dashing looks. This water fowl, a native to North America stands about 20 inches tall and weighs about one and one half pounds at adulthood. This a medium sized, dabbling, fresh water duck summers from Southern Canada south to Texas and from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific. They inhabit wooded rivers, ponds and swamps. It winters from New Jersey south to the Gulf Coast, Florida and Cuba.
The male has a white throat; breast and with the neck colored rich burgundy studded with celestial like pattern of white. With an iridescent blue back, green feathers with a stomach colored white and dark wings and square tail.
The female has grayish head with crest and prominent white ring around dark brown eyes and a black bill. Her back, breast and flanks are brownish. White streaks adorn her brownish under parts. The wood duck sits low in water with its tail angled upward and on land it walks or runs with greater ease than most ducks.
The Wood Duck roosts and nests in trees as much as 50 feet above ground. They can perch on branches. The Wood Duck is at ease near human areas and will use man-made nest boxes. The Wood Ducks migrates within the United States and joins in small flocks in winter. It arrives in its northern part of breeding range in late March or early April after the ice has left woodland ponds and timbered wetlands. In the fall it moves south from October through December.
Go To Page: 1 2
