wood duck

noun

Definition of wood duck

: 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

Examples of wood duck in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The landmark law protects 800 species of birds and helped save some that were on the verge of being hunted to extinction, including the wood duck and the sandhill crane — now a common sight in Wisconsin. — Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Great Wisconsin Birdathon takes flight during Year of the Bird," 5 Apr. 2018 In the meantime, Milfred is sharing freezer space with a wood duck, a trophy bass and a python, also in line to be taxidermied. — Stephen Hudak, OrlandoSentinel.com, "No more jarring 'cock-a-doodle-doos,' but beloved rooster Milfred will live on, stuffed by taxidermist," 3 July 2018 Sightings Duck box surprise: Near creeks, ponds and marshes, wood duck boxes are producing this year’s crop of hatchlings. — Tom Stienstra, SFChronicle.com, "First breath, first steps in little-seen wildlife world," 1 July 2018 Beechnuts are relished by wild turkeys, wood ducks, woodpeckers, black bears and deer, and their tree cavities provide nesting sites for owls and woodland mammals. — James F. Mccarty, cleveland.com, "Newly discovered microscopic worm species eyed as potential cause of beech leaf disease," 3 May 2018 The Akron Zoo is one of only about 230 zoos that are accredited to participate in the Species Survival Plan program, and works with 45 species, from Partula snails to snow leopards and white-winged wood ducks. — Laura Demarco, cleveland.com, "What is on your summer bucket list?: Calling all readers," 4 May 2018 Barbara Keel Lunsford of Auburn, Ala., took second place with her painting of a pair of wood ducks. — Frank Sargeant, AL.com, "Hunters cautioned to beware of ticks during turkey season," 15 Apr. 2018 Pairs of wood ducks will appear, males resplendent in breeding colors, and prospect for nesting locations. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Fuel your outdoors dreams at the Journal Sentinel Sports Show," 2 Mar. 2018 Several species, including the wood duck and wild turkey, were in danger of going extinct. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Ryan Zinke's appearance puts spotlight on excise tax and conservation programs," 21 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wood duck.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of wood duck was in 1777

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