What adaptation explains the Wood Duck's shorter wings compared to some other ducks?

They allow the bird to better maneuver through dense branches.

Membership in the Class Aves endows the Wood Duck with wings and feathers, optimized for flight. However, the Wood Duck's wings are described as relatively short when compared to certain other duck species. This specific morphological feature is not a disadvantage but rather a crucial adaptation tailored to its preferred environment: dense, forested wetlands. Shorter wings provide superior agility and maneuverability, enabling the bird to navigate effectively through the thick, often cluttered branches and undergrowth characteristic of the wooded swamps and bottomland streams it inhabits. This contrasts with ducks that primarily frequent open water, where longer wings might be favored for sustained, fast flight over vast distances.