Carolina Duck

Wood Duck

The Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) is a species of duck found in North America. It is one of the most   colourful North American waterfowl. The Wood Duck is a medium-sized perching duck. A typical adult is from 47 to 54 cm (19 to 21in) in length with a wingspan of between 66 to 73 cm (26 to29in).

It is very flighty and loses colour during our peak season!! As with the Mandarins, these ducks climb trees, wire netting etc. and are prime prey to larger predators!

The adult male has distinctive multicolored iridescent plumage and red eyes,with a distinctive white flare down the neck. The female, less colorful, has a white eye-ring and a whitish throat. Both adults have crested heads.

The male's call is a rising whistle, jeeeeee; the females utter a drawn-out, rising squeal, do weep do weep, when flushed, and a sharp cr-r-ek, cr-e-ek for an alarm call.

Further reading :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_duck