Wood Duck

Wood Ducks are stunning waterfowl. Male Wood Ducks are iridescent chestnut and green with ornate patterns on nearly every feather. Females have a distinctive profile and delicate white pattern around the eye. Wood Ducks live in wooded swamps, where they nest in holes in trees or in nest boxes put up around lake margins. As a cavity nester, Wood Ducks take readily to nest boxes. They are one of the few duck species equipped with strong claws that can grip bark and perch on branches in trees.

Wood Ducks have a unique shape — a boxy, crested head, thin neck, and a long, broad body and thick tail. In flight, they hold their head up high, sometimes bobbing it. Their broad tail and short, broad wings help them maneuver when flying through wooded areas. When swimming, their head jerks back and forth similar to a pigeon. Wood Ducks tend to keep to small groups — fewer than 20 — and stay apart from other waterfowl. Look for Wood Ducks in wooded swamps, marshes, streams, beaver ponds, and small lakes. They stick to wet areas with trees or extensive cattails. 

To request a wing trim, please call (800) 456-3280.

See our FAQ for more information on states with restrictions on juvenile birds. We recommend checking with your state wildlife or regulatory agency before placing your order.