![]() ![]() Female coloring is designed to hide the hens better while brooding and taking care of hatchlings. On the other hand, female ducks are always more boring in color and are often brown. After breeding is over, many male ducks will molt and sport duller shades of brown and white until the following year. Other drakes will not participate in any of the nesting processes and will instead continue migrating to their molting locations.ĭrakes boast brilliant colors during mating season to attract the attention of hens. Hens lay and incubate the eggs, some drakes will guard their nest and chase away predators. Typically, the female’s breeding ground is where the egg she came from hatched. The female duck then leads the male back to their breeding ground, traveling together in the spring. Hens typically find their mate during the winter months. When speaking of species of ducks, males are called drakes, females are called hens, and baby ducks are known as ducklings. Tail feathers can also help with identification, for example, mallard’s tail feathers are curled. Dabbling ducks are the only ducks who stick their entire rear out of the water while feeding. Rump/Tail – While usually covered by wings, a duck’s rump can be helpful in identification. Wing – The wings of a duck and the body of a duck can often be drastically different colors, which helps in identifying duck species.īreast – Seen when the duck is flying, the breast of the duck may boast different colors, mottling, or distinct patterns. Throat – The throat is noted on a duck when there is a prominent ring around the base of the duck’s neck.Īuriculars – The duck’s auriculars are the duck’s cheeks! Sometimes, there is distinctive coloring on the auriculars only. Nail – on the tip of the duck’s bill is a slightly thicker tip, called the nail. The crown of a duck’s head can help identify a duck based on whether it is flatter or more peaked.īill – A duck’s bill is often spatula-shaped to help them filter their food from the water. Understanding the physical features of species of ducks helps outdoor nature enthusiasts and birders identify ducks quickly and accurately.Ĭrown – Just like humans., the crown is the very top of the head. What is the Smallest Duck in the World?.Wood Duck drakes have a soft, whistle-like call while hens have louder calls. As they age, their diet changes and they start eating plant material. Juveniles only eat invertebrates (animals without a backbone) or sometimes small fish. (Omnivores are animals that eat a variety of foods that include both plants and animals.) When there are no aquatic feeding areas nearby, Wood Ducks will search for food in open areas, such as agricultural fields. Therefore, adult Wood Ducks are omnivores. They enjoy eating seeds, aquatic plants, acorns, nuts, and berries but they also will also eat insects, clams, snails, tadpoles, and salamanders. What do Wood Ducks eat?Īdult Wood Ducks mainly eat plant material. The ducklings learn to fly at 8 or 9 weeks of age. ![]() Although adult Wood Ducks usually sleep or roost on the water, hens with young often sleep along water banks or on logs that are tucked away from danger. The ducklings can be seen riding on their mother’s back while she swims. Wood Duck hens will watch over their brood (or young) for several weeks. After jumping from the nest, the tiny ducklings immediately know how to swim, walk, and find food on their own. Wood Duck ducklings typically jump from the nest the day after they hatch! Having water or wet ground below the nest will ensure a soft landing for the young birds. ![]() However, they prefer their nests to be hanging over (or near) a body of water. Occasionally, Wood Ducks will nest either close to the ground or far from the water’s edge. Hens use their own down feathers to put around the eggs in their nests. They will also use man-made nest boxes, which has helped increase their numbers. Wood Ducks must find holes that are already present and often use the ones that woodpeckers have made in the past. They usually nest in tree holes (or cavities) too but are not capable of digging holes for their nests. By using the strong claws on their feet, Wood Ducks can climb up into trees and perch securely on branches. They prefer wooded swamps or marshes but can also be found in freshwater wetlands, shady ponds, creeks, shallow lakes, and quiet rivers. Where do Wood Ducks live?Īs the name suggests, Wood Ducks ‘require wooded cover for nesting’. Juveniles, however, have spots on both their chests and bellies whereas Wood Duck hens only have spotting on their chests. Juvenile (or young) Wood Ducks look fairly similar to hens. Wood Duck hens also have a bold white, teardrop-shaped patch around their eyes. Except for a white belly, white throat, and white markings on their wings, they are mostly gray and brown. ![]()
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