Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Wood Duck

One of the more colorful ducks that you can find in North America is the wood duck. These ducks can be found year round in most of the eastern half of the US as well as the west coast. They inhabit rivers, lakes, ponds and other wetlands where they dabble on the surface of the water in search of seeds, fruit and insects. They are also one of the most popular game birds in North America.
Wood ducks got there name because they are one of the few ducks that nest in trees. As a cavity nester they make their nest in a hole in a tree, often those made by piliated woodpeckers, and line the cavity with down from the female. The trees are usually located next to water but if good nesting sites are scarce can be located over a mile away. Wood ducks will also use nesting boxes to build their nest. After the young wood ducks hatch, their mother calls them and they have to jump down from the nest, with out mom's help, to follow her out to the water.

13 comments:

Gunilla said...

Nice photo of the duck.
I haven´t see that before.
Maybe we don´t have them here in Sweden. The water has a nice colour.

Have a nice day

unilla in Sweden

Prizler Photography said...

Love the colors throughout the photos - AMAZING birds! Love them!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Amazing colours in this duck! There seems to be a strange little top knot on the head! Gorgeous photos!

Jim said...

What an interesting looking duck.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Helen said...

I think they are so cute. Brave little things but obeying their mom. Helen

eileeninmd said...

Love your wood ducks, the reflection is awesome!

Arija said...

Your wood ducks are so extravagantly coloured and crested, ours only have a spotted breast.

squirrel said...

I love to see these ducks, they just don't look real do they. You have done them justice with your fine photos.

Rechie said...

such a lovely and colorful duck....we don't have this kind of duck here in the Philippines

mine is here

Chubskulit Rose said...

what a beautiful duck.

Missing the lake

EJ said...

colorful duck!

My watery wednesday

Helena said...

What a cool-looking duck! I've never seen one like this before. I love the colours.

Pat said...

Wow - those ducks look fake with all those colorful feathers! Thanks for sharing these beauties!