The Wood Duck is one of only a few ducks that have claws on their feet, allowing them to perch in trees.

Wood Ducks are permanent residents in many southern states. In northern states, they will migrate to the south for the winter. Wood Ducks are shy and skittish by nature. They feed mainly on berries and seeds, but will also eat insects and invertebrates. The Wood Duck is small, typically measuring about 19 inches long with an average wingspan of 29 inches. The male, with its iridescent green and purple head and bold white striping, is much more colorful than the female. The female has a gray-brown head and a brownish-green neck and body.

The Wood Duck is one of only a few American ducks that can nest in trees. They will also use man-made nesting boxes in areas where tree cavities are scarce. They tend to build their nests within one mile of a lake shore, river bank, or other body of water. A clutch usually consists of 6-16 eggs. Shortly after hatching, the ducklings must jump down to the ground from the nest tree and follow their mother to water. The ducklings are able to jump from heights of up to 300 feet without suffering any injury.