Wood Ducks (Aix)

Once called a perching duck because of its tree nesting activity, wood ducks defy a common classification, and represent the Aix genus in North America.

The top picture shows a female and male wood duck. The white eye patch is characteristic of the female in the front. Males are much more colorful from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail.

The male's green, purple, black and white head feathers turn to a more uniform black color during non-breeding season.

Wood Ducks inhabit a variety of fresh water and wetland areas throughout the United States, with breeding occurring during early or late spring, depending on their geographic location.

Warmer weather in their southern habitats means an earlier start to the breeding season.

Like Bufflehead ducks, Wood Ducks are one of the few duck species to breed in trees and nest boxes. In fact, Wood Duck populations in the United States have been, at the very least, adequately managed for almost a century because people continue to participate in placing nest boxes in their yards or parks.

The world's other Aix species, the Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) mimic the colorful feathers of its North American relative the Wood Duck.

Females of both species have less colorful feathers.

Mandarin Ducks are hardy and adaptable birds, native to China. Over time, their introduction into wild areas of Asia and Europe has extended their range.

In North America Mandarin Ducks are popular zoo and animal park residents.

© 2003-2011 Patricia A. Michaels.