Wood Duck (male) Aix sponsa Rideau River, Ottawa, Ontario 30 August 2008 "Eclipse" males are usually only seen before fall migration, when the ducks have their annual moult. During this time, the ducks are unable to fly, and therefore unable to escape from predators. Taking after the females, male wood ducks moult into drabber, less flashy plumage, allowing themselves to blend into their surroundings like females.
Wood Duck (juvenile) Aix sponsa Rideau River, Ottawa, Ontario 30 August 2008
Wood Duck (male) Aix sponsa Britannia Conservation Area, Ottawa, Ontario 25 May 2008 A wood duck portrait.