The intricate plumage of the Wood Ducks make them “one of the most stunningly pretty of all waterfowl.” (All About Birds).
“Beautiful and unique, this duck of woodland ponds and river swamps has no close relatives, except for the Mandarin Duck of eastern Asia”, another ornate and highly attractive duck (Audubon.org). The only two members of the Genus Aix, both are cavity nesters, and both prefer wooded areas near marshes, wetlands and other bodies of water.
Although they are found across most of the United States, and are present year-round in Florida, Wood Ducks are not as frequently seen locally as our other more familiar ducks (Florida FWC). Always a special treat to find them at one of our local wetlands.
Birder's Journey 
I had no idea! Thanks for this unique and informative post.
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There’s a lot about Wood Ducks that I never realized either, Berny! Especially the connection with the equally remarkable looking Mandarin Duck!
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A beautiful duck! I have seen it a few times in Ohio, and also in Texas! I want to carve and paint this duck sometime!
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Oh, terrific idea! This would be a fabulous carved duck. A real authentic “wood“ duck!
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I never thought of that! That was a cool thought! 🙂 You made my day!
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☺️
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What striking colors!!!
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They really are remarkable! Even better when they’re in the bright light and the photograph is of a better quality than mine!😉
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I’ve only had one occasion where I was able to snap a shot of one. But I keep hoping another will turn up!
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I have not seen them close enough to photograph more than a very few times myself, Kathy. I’m never really happy with my photos – but I’m just excited that I got something! ☺️
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Phenomenal coloring! Love how you included the map too!
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They are so beautifully patterned. I was surprised at how large their range is in North America!
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They are very nice and colourful.
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Thanks – they sure are!
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I sometimes think they are made of porcelain.
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Interesting perspective, Ted! They certainly do
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Great capture of the squawk, Carol! You got some very nice detail in all three images–these fellows are a challenge with that smooth, waxy head.
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You’re so right, Ellen. They really are a challenge to photograph. Thank you! It was a little shady under the trees, but their multi-colored and patterned plumage is the real challenge for me!
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Your wood Duck is so much more attractive than ours BJ.
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☺️. Interesting… I will look up the Wood Duck in Australia later today! Do they have the same name?
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Ours are called Australian Wood Duck. It gets its name because it is a grazing duck that nests high in trees, which other ducks don’t.
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Thanks! I looked it up, and it is less colorful than ours, but pretty!
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They’re so beautiful! Great images of these guys, BJ!
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Thanks so much, Deborah! Have a beautiful day☀️!
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You too!😀
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Terrific post!
It always brightens our day when we encounter Woodies in our wanderings. We’re lucky to have a few nesting pairs in nearby forest and swamp. Hope to spot some of the new chicks soon.
Have a great week.
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People aren’t that colorful but we could dress as colorfully.
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It’s a happy day when we get the chance to see a wood duck, one of America’s showiest birds. I double-clicked on these photos, BJ, and so enjoyed seeing all the elegant markings and colors. Thank you.
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Agreed! The complex patterns of the Wood ducks’ plumage are just astonishing.
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Stunning indeed. I never tire of reveling in their beauty.
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The are quite a remarkable sight to see!
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