Wood ducks (Aix sponsa) are perhaps the most beautiful duck in North
America. Wood ducks are small to medium sized ducks, with a noticeably
crested head. Males are brightly colored, while females are brownish gray.
Both males and females have a white patch around the eyes and throat.
Habitat:
Florida is home to both year-round (resident) and migratory wood ducks (those that breed farther north and spend only the fall and winter
months here). Wood ducks are admired by people throughout Florida, in
fact, they are the most abundant resident wild ducks in the state. Wood
ducks inhabit wooded, brushy, or other vegetated wetland areas. Wood ducks
nest in tree cavities near lakes, rivers, ponds, and other wetland areas.
Often nest cavities are in short supply which limits the size of wood duck
populations. Fortunately, wood ducks readily accept manmade nest boxes in
place of natural cavities. FWC personnel maintain wood duck nest boxes on
public waters throughout the state and also cooperate with private
citizens, government agencies, and groups such as local Ducks Unlimited
chapters and Boy Scout troops to maintain and erect boxes.
