Perching Ducks

"Perching Ducks" have long claws on their toes to enable them to "perch" and nest in trees. They are usually found along wooded waterways such as inland lakes, rivers, streams, and swamps. The only native "Perching Duck" found North America is the Wood Duck. Some Mandarin and Muscovy Ducks that have been brought to North America (from Asia) as pets or for zoos "escaped" and have established themselves in some city parks. Because their numbers are so small they often interbreed creating a wide variety of plumages and sizes with little resemblance to the native species. The adult male Wood Duck has distinctive multicolored iridescent plumage and red eyes. The female, less colorful, has a white eye-ring and a whitish throat. Both adults have crested heads. When swimming, Wood Ducks bob their head back and forth in a jerking motion (like a coot) which makes them easy to spot. These birds feed by dabbling or walking on land. They mainly eat berries and seeds, but also insects, making them omnivores. They are also unique in that they are the only duck in North America to produce two broods per year.

Wood Duck

photo taken on the Olympic Peninsula in Western Washington

Wood Ducks - Perching on tree branches

photo taken at McNary Wildlife Nature Area, Oregon

McNary is a series of small ponds near McNary Dam on the Columbia River

Wood Duck

photo take at Mahleur National Wildlife Refuge, Central Oregon