How can you tell if a wood duck is mature?
Generally, coverts of adults are somewhat wider and tend to lie more smoothly on the wing and the dark blue usually extends on to the third row of coverts and extends farther distally than on wings of immatures.
Do wood ducks swim underwater?
Finally, Wood Ducks also dive completely under water, especially when chasing fallen acorns that are slowly sinking below them. It is interesting that young Wood Ducks will escape predators by diving.
Why do male and female wood ducks look different?
Both male and female have backward-facing crests that give them a helmeted look. The female wood duck is easy to identify, not only because of her head shape, but also because of her white, tear-shaped eye rings. Otherwise, females are grayish brown and generously flecked with whitish spots on their sides.
What is the average lifespan of a wood duck?
The female protects her young until they are able to fly, about 60 days after hatching. Wood ducks usually live 3 to 4 years but can live as long as 15 years.
How long can a duck float in water?
A typical dive takes 10-30 seconds, but diving ducks may remain underwater for a minute or more.
Are wood ducks diving ducks?
Diving ducks, or “divers,” are ducks that propel themselves underwater with large feet attached to short legs situated far back on the body. Although the Wood Duck (not listed) dabbles and shares with the dabblers the ability to take-off vertically, it is not ordinarily included in the dabblers.
How to tell if a wood duck is a male or female?
Female lacks bright patterns of male, but has unique crested head shape and large white teardrop patch around eye. Gray underwings of breeding males contrast with the rest of the plumage. Often perches on tree limbs. Note white line at edge of blue “speculum” patch in the wing
What kind of plumage does a wood duck have?
Wood Duck Identification. Females are gray-brown with white-speckled breast. In eclipse plumage (late summer), males lose their pale sides and bold stripes, but retain their bright eye and bill. Juveniles are very similar to females. Unlike most waterfowl, Wood Ducks perch and nest in trees and are comfortable flying through woods.
What does a wood duck do when swimming?
When swimming, the head jerks back and forth much as a walking pigeon’s does. You often see Wood Ducks in small groups (fewer than 20), keeping apart from other waterfowl.
Which is the most beautiful duck in the world?
The Wood Duck, also known as Carolina Duck, is one of the most beautiful duck species from North America. They are not to be confused with the Australian Wood Duck. The American Wood Duck is a close relative of the Aix galericulata or Asian Mandarin Duck. What do They Eat? What do They Eat?