What Is It?

1. I’m colorful but seldom seen.
2. I swim in the water but nest in the trees.
3. A high, soft whistle is all you’ll hear …
4. ...as I take flight away from here.

The male wood duck is colorful but secretive. It lives along forested waterways, where it nests with its mate in tree cavities. The only way you may know wood ducks are near is by their high, soft whistle. Young wood ducks drop from their nest and into the water a day after they hatch. In fall, the male loses his breeding plumage and takes on the drab colors of winter. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.