The Wood Duck is arguably the most beautiful waterfowl in North America — the male's iridescent green-purple crest, red eye, and intricate chestnut-and-white patterning are breathtaking. It nests in tree cavities near water, and within hours of hatching the downy ducklings leap from the nest to the ground (sometimes 60 feet below) and bounce unharmed. Nest box programs played a major role in its recovery from near-extinction by 1900.
Habitat
Wooded swamps, beaver ponds, and forested streams
Diet
Acorns, aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and berries
How common
Common
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