Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

For many, the wood duck drake is the most beautiful North American duck. An iridescent crested head, red eyes, and red and white bill, chestnut breast, golden flanks and iridescent back all contribute to its dashing looks. The female is a drab version of the male but is nonetheless more striking than any other duck hen. Dabblers or surface feeders, wood ducks nest in tree cavities. But since they cannot make their own cavities, they depend on tree diseases, fire scars, lightning, and cavity-making birds like pileated woodpeckers for nest sites. They also use man-made nest boxes. They arrive in the latter part of April and leave after the first severe frost.

Habitat: Wooded wetlands, rivers, streams, lake and river edges

Range: Southeastern New Brunswick, southern Québec, Ontario, Manitoba and B.C.