wood duck

noun

: a showy American duck (Aix sponsa) which nests in tree cavities and the males of which have a large crest and iridescent plumage varied with green, purple, black, white, and chestnut

Illustration of wood duck

Examples of wood duck in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The town is also a hotspot for wood ducks, arguably the most beautiful of North American ducks, but a relatively scarce resident in Marin. —Jack Gedney, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025

To see even more wild locals, cruise the Dora Canal, a verdant passage bordered by cypress trees and home to otters, herons, wood ducks, egrets, and more. —Susan Hall Mahon, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2025

Even saltwater wood ducks saw the flaws: too short-lived, way too jagged. —Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025

The place has also purchased all-electric maintenance equipment, and installed mallard nesting tubes, wood duck boxes, and feeders for bluebirds and wild turkey. —Graham Averill, Outside Online, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

wood duck

noun

: a showy American duck which nests in the hollowed-out spaces of trees and the male of which has a large crest on the head and feathers colored with green, black, purple, white, and brown