These two species have habits not normally associated with ducks. They have claws that allow them to perch and nest in trees.
The colorful Wood Duck will nest in tree cavities as high as 40 feet. After hatching, the young bail out and fall (unharmed) to the ground, where they dutifully follow their mother to water.
Muscovy Ducks are commonly seen at park ponds across the country. They have a range of colors, from all black to all white, and everything in between. The only wild population in the United States is found along the Rio Grande River in south Texas. Wild Muscovy’s are black with large, white wing patches.
- Wood Duck
- Muscovy Duck
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Wood Duck — Length: 18 inches, Wing span: 30 inches
A resident across much of its broad North American range but migratory in some northern areas, the Wood Duck is often described as our most beautiful native duck. Such descriptions refer to the male for the female Wood Duck is more cryptically plumaged in subtle brown and grays to provide her with camouflage.
Dependent on natural cavities or occasionally old Woodpecker holes of sufficient size for nesting, the Wood Duck requires mature forests. Artificial nest boxes are readily accepted as well and can help boost local Wood Duck populations.
The male Wood Duck is often considered the most beautiful North American duck. It is rather small, with a “mane” of feathers that make its head look large.
Wood Ducks, male and female. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Hard to mistake the male Wood Duck for any other species. Males have a green crest, red eyes and bill, mostly black face with a white throat patch extending up onto the face, a reddish breast, and yellow flanks. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Females are mostly brownish with white spots on the flanks, and a large white area surrounding each eye and tapering to a point rearward.
Even at a distance the overall color pattern of the male stands out. Photograph © Sam Crowe.
Male Wood Duck in non-breeding plumage. Similar to female but with distinctive markings on the face. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Young female Wood Duck. Photograph © Sam Crowe.
Young male Wood Duck. Photograph © Sam Crowe.
Female (left) and two males on the right. White around the eye on the female distinctive. White belly on both sexes. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Wood Ducks in flight. Note the white trailing edge on the speculum. Female and males in non-breeding plumage. Face pattern distinctive on both sexes.
Muscovy — Length: 25-31 inches, Wing span: 38-47 inches
The domestic version of the Muscovy is common in city parks. Typically has a red, knobby bill. Color ranges from all white to all black and almost any combination of the two.
Domestic Muscovy. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.
Wild Muscovy’s are only found in the U.S. along the Rio Grande River in far south Texas. Broad wings, black body. Black wings have a large white patch. Knobby bill is two-toned. Males larger than females. May show a greenish sheen in good light. Photograph © Greg Lavaty.