Wood duck Behavior and facts
- Wood ducks are one of few waterfowl to commonly perch in trees.
- Wood ducks have strong claws, which allow them to grip branches.
- Wood ducks have bright red eyes and a reddish beak.
- They forage or dabble for food in shallow water – eating seeds, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.
- Wood ducks are the only North American duck that regularly produces two broods a year.
Life history
- Unlike most waterfowl, the wood duck builds its nest in tree cavities near water.
- Females usually lay 6-16 eggs, which they incubate for 25-37 days.
- Ducklings are well developed and able to leave the nest on the same day that they hatch.
- Young wood ducks leave the nest by jumping out of their tree cavity to the ground. The drop can sometimes exceed 100 feet.
- Young are typically able to fly by the time they are 8-10 weeks old.
Status
IUCN Least concern
Wood ducks, the Oregon Zoo and you
The zoo's wood ducks live in the Cascade Stream and Pond aviary.
