24-10-2021 ATTICA ZOO ATHENS, GREECE - WOOD DUCK (FEMALE) (Aix sponsa)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/7107-Aix-sponsa

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - WOOD DUCK (FEMALE) (Aix sponsa)

3-12-2015 JURONG, SINGAPORE - WOOD DUCK (FEMALE) (Aix sponsa)

The wood duck or Carolina duck (Aix sponsa) is a species of perching duck found in North America. The drake wood duck is one of the most colorful North American waterfowls.

The wood duck is a medium-sized perching duck. A typical adult is from 47 to 54 cm (19 to 21 in) in length with a wingspan of between 66 and 73 cm (26 and 29 in). The wood duck's weight ranges from 454–862 grams (16.0–30.4 oz). This is about three-quarters the length of an adult mallard. It shares its genus with the Asian mandarin duck (Aix galericulata).

The adult male has stunning 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 speculum is iridescent blue-green with a white border on the trailing edge.

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.

3-1-2016 KOWLOON PARK, HONG KONG - WOOD DUCK (FEMALE) (Aix sponsa)

19-3-2015 JURONG, SINGAPORE - WOOD DUCK (FEMALE) (Aix sponsa)

It’s hard to mistake a Wood Duck in the wild. From the kaleidoscopic male’s iridescent green crest and intricate markings to the female’s distinctive white eye patch, these birds are some of our most beautiful native waterfowl and always a treat to see. In fact, their scientific name, Aix sponsa, loosely translates to “bridal duck,” as the species—the male, particularly—is so well appointed that it appears dressed for a wedding. Such striking good looks have long made Wood Ducks a favorite of birders and a source of inspiration for artists and wood carvers.

Fortunately, these gorgeous birds are fairly easy to see throughout much of the United States and southern Canada. They live year-round along most of the Pacific Coast and in the Southern United States, and in the summer they can be found across the Eastern United States, Midwest, and Northwest. Northern migratory populations winter in the southern United States and in northern Mexico, where males and females pair up in advance of their return north each spring. Dive into the fun facts below to learn more about this truly stunning species.