Seen in pairs or small flocks seldom solo. Males are distinctive with their deep brown head and neck, lighter wings with darker stripes. Female is much softer in colouring everywhere. A frequent visitor to our area as here is water for sanctuary and pastures close by for grazing. When grazing, a sentry keeps a watchful eye out for any possible threats from other birds, people and especially dogs and when startled the flock will fly directly to the nearest water.
Wood Ducks have a very strong bond, and both males and females will chase away other Wood Ducks from their mate. Nests are always in tree hollows, as they are from the family of "Perching Ducks". A clutch of 8 to 14 creamy coloured eggs is laid, usually in November. Both sexes share the incubation time of 28 days. Babies jump from the nest to the ground to be led to water (sometimes this is a suicide leap). Adults care for young until they are fully fledged and sometimes the family groups will stay together for months.
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