The Wood Duck is considered by many to be the most beautiful of North American waterfowl, but one look at this molting drake might make one question that statement. Wood Duck facts: The male Wood Duck uses his colourful plumage to attract females. However, they lose or molt their colourful feathers when the females are busy hatching the eggs. The males are then in "eclipse" plumage, they look like the female in color and will be unable to fly temporarily. They will molt again in early Fall (autumn), get back their colourful feathers and be able to fly again. The females also molt. They replace all their feathers and get new ones after their ducklings are hatched. ~ Ducks Unlimited Canada
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