General Description: Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) are sexually dimorphic pond ducks. In breeding plumage, males are brightly colored and have a large tuft of feathers on the back of the head. Males have lots of colors, but an important characteristic is the white patch on the throat and sides of the face, which shows even during the non-breeding season. Females are streaked and mottled brown overall with a distinct white eyering and eyelines or tear-drop shaped white eye patch.

Taxonomy: Anseriformes, Anatidae, Anatinae

Favored Habitat: Ponds and marshes with trees where they can roost and nest.

Where to Find: Wood Ducks are uncommon around Las Vegas, but look for them at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, the Pahranagat Valley and the Overton Wildlife Management Area.

Comments: Wood ducks nest in holes in trees. They usually select trees overhanging water or near the edge of a pond. They also use nest boxes.