Wood Duck
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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 green, purple, black and white feathers on the head of the male turn to a more uniform black color during non-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.
They breed in many areas of the United States, with the exception of the desert Southwest and Rocky Mountains. It's difficult to imagine anyone not wanting to spend a winter in the Southwest. Wood Ducks are no exception, and small populations can be found there.
Wood Ducks are popular game birds, which in turn, causes them to be a bit people shy in the wild. Sometimes you can find them in ponds at local parks and get close enough for good pictures.© 2003-2008 Patricia A. Michaels.