Aix sponsa

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Wood duck
French : Canard branchu

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach up to 54 cm in length for a weight of 862 g. Male in breeding condition is unmistakable. Female very similar to A. galericulata but has less spotting on breast, white chin and no white line from eyes to cheek.

Range and habitat
The species lives in most of the eastern half of USA, also in north and north-west parts. Breeds in south Canada, winters in north Mexico and Bahamas. Lives in marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes surrounded by dense forest.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species declined during the late XIXth Century. It has now mostly recovered and is afforded legal protection. Still threatened by habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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