Wood duck

Description:

The Wood Duck is a medium-sized perching duck. A typical adult is from 19 to 21 inches in length with a wingspan of between 26 to 29 inches. This is about three-quarters of the length of an adult Mallard. It shares its genes with the Asian Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata). The adult male has distinctive multicoloured iridescent plumage and red eyes,with a distinctive white flare down the neck. The female, less colourful, has a white eye-ring and a whitish throat. Both adults have crested heads. When swimming, Wood Ducks bob their head back and forth in a jerking motion, which makes them easy to spot.

Habitat:

Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC.

Notes:

Photo 4 shows the brightly colored male & much drabber looking female together.