Wood Duck Couple

Staying with Wood Ducks, today I'm going to show a pair. Given the time of year, I'm suspicious that breeding is on their minds.

They are another example of sexual dimorphism, where the males and females have basically the same size/shape but the plumage of the males is much different from that of the females. A novice could no doubt mistake them for different species. Seeing a prominent white eye ring is very suggestive that you're looking at a female Wood Duck.

Apparently the males do have a more subdued plumage that kicks in as summer wanes. I don't think I've gotten a picture of one with that plumage though.

March 31, 2021 at Duke Farms

Same ducks, different view


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