One of Mankind's best Recovery Stories, as these beautiful birds were once hunted to near extinction. These birds live in wooded swamps, where they nest in holes in trees or in nest boxes put up around lake margins. They are one of the few duck species equipped with strong claws that can grip bark and perch on branches.
Size & Shape
Wood Ducks have a unique shape among ducks—a boxy, crested head, a thin neck, and a long, broad tail. In flight, they hold their head up high, sometimes bobbing it. Overall, their silhouette shows a skinny neck, long body, thick tail, and short wings.
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Color Pattern
In good light, males have a glossy green head cut with white stripes, a chestnut breast and buffy sides. In low or harsh light, they'll look dark overall with paler sides. 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.
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Behavior
Unlike most waterfowl, Wood Ducks perch and nest in trees and are comfortable flying through woods. Their broad tail and short, broad wings help make them maneuverable. 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. Listen for the female's call when these wary birds flush.
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Habitat
Look for Wood Ducks in wooded swamps, marshes, streams, beaver ponds, and small lakes. They stick to wet areas with trees or extensive cattails. As a cavity nester, Wood Ducks take readily to nest boxes.
Cool Facts
- Natural cavities for nesting are scarce, and the Wood Duck readily uses nest boxes provided for it. If nest boxes are placed too close together, many females lay eggs in the nests of other females.
- The Wood Duck nests in trees near water, sometimes directly over water, but other times over a mile away. After hatching, the ducklings jump down from the nest tree and make their way to water. The mother calls them to her, but does not help them in any way. The ducklings may jump from heights of over 50 feet without injury.
- Wood Ducks pair up in January, and most birds arriving at the breeding grounds in the spring are already paired. The Wood Duck is the only North American duck that regularly produces two broods in one year.
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Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve
As with all of our wonderful Public Parks, Please CITO as you enjoy your visit. Come out and explore some of North Florida's remaining natural areas by visiting Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park. Pumpkin Hill offers visitors recreational opportunities to refresh the mind and spirit. With over 4,000 acres of upland park, visitors can hike or bike the trails, canoe or kayak the creeks or bring their own horses and ride some of the few remaining trails available to the equestrian community. Enjoy the solitude, enjoy the wildlife, enjoy the beauty...enjoy "the Real Florida" at Pumpkin Hill. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.