Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

Year-round in CharlotteUncommon

The take

The impossibly painted duck of quiet wooded creeks — squeals and flies off before you're close.

How to ID it

  • Males have a glossy green crested head cut with white stripes, chestnut breast, and buffy sides
  • Unique boxy, crested head on a thin neck with a long, broad tail
  • Perches and nests in trees, flying maneuverably through woods unlike most waterfowl

Field marks at a glance

Size
large
Head
glossy green crest with white stripes (male)
Call
rising squealed oo-eek on takeoff

Where & when

Year-round in Charlotte — best odds at four mile creek greenway, latta nature preserve.

Learn more

Sources