Wood Duck

The wood duck is a medium-sized perching duck. A typical adult is from 47 to 54 cm (19 to 21 in) in length with a wingspan of between 66 and 73 cm (26 and 29 in). The wood duck's weight ranges from 454–862 grams (16.0–30.4 oz). This is about three-quarters the length of an adult mallard. It shares its genus with the Asian mandarin duck (Aix galericulata). The adult male has stunning multicolored iridescent plumage and red eyes, with a distinctive white flare down the neck. The female, less colorful, has a white eye-ring and a whitish throat. Both adults have crested heads. Voice: The wood duck has distinctive vocalizations that play an important role in communication, particularly during mating season. The male's primary call is a rising whistle, described as "jeeeeee," while females produce several distinct calls including a drawn-out, rising squeal "do weep do weep" when flushed, and a sharp "cr-r-ek, cr-e-ek" as an alarm call.