Rather like its relative Mandarin the Wood or Carolina Duck has managed some breeding success among escaped individuals from private collections, although not as widespread as the Mandarin. In its native North America it frequents wooded swamps and small lakes, nesting in tree cavities near the waters edge.
Key ID Features:
Similar to mandarin but slightly larger and darker in appearance, although females of both species can be very similar.
The males head and upperparts are a metallic blue-green with fine white lines emanating from the white chin and on the shoulder.
The males breast and neck are rufous, the females' a duller brown but both mottled with white.
The male has buff flanks below a white line.
Females can be separated from Mandarin by the dark tipped bill, rather than white, and broad white eye ring which only extends slightly towards the nape.
Overview
Scientific name: Aix sponsa
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
They can turn up in any suitable habitat.
Seen in UK:
All year round but rare genuine migrants from Iceland occasionally in winter.
What they eat
Berries, acorns, and seeds, but also insects.
For more information click here
Photographer: Tim Tapley
