Today wood ducks are one of the most common breeding waterfowl
species in the United States. Words cannot describe the vivid
markings of the drakes or male wood ducks. Their lines and
colors are so striking that during breeding seasons they are
consider by many to be the most beautiful of all waterfowl. Even
hens, females, with their teardrop eye rings and iridescent
plumage are quite stunning when compared to other ducks. Usually
seen in pairs, wood ducks prefer mature riparian corridors along
streams, quiet lakes or ponds bordered by large trees, and
secluded wooded swamps. Although somewhat shy, they can be
observed feeding on a variety of nuts, fruits, aquatic plants,
seeds and aquatic invertebrates. Acorns, seeds of bald cypress,
hickory, sweet gum, buttonbush, arrow-arum, bur-reed and wild
rice are important fall and winter foods. Juvenile wood duck
feeding habits differ considerably from adults. Before six weeks
of age, ducklings feed consists on insects, aquatic
invertebrates, small fish and other hig