Which plumage condition do young Wood Ducks, both male and female, generally exhibit?

Answer

A plumage that generally mirrors the female's drabber appearance, often lacking distinct eye-rings or the white teardrop patch

Juvenile Wood Ducks, regardless of sex, start life displaying plumage that is significantly less ornate than the adult breeding male. Their appearance generally mirrors the more subdued, drab coloration characteristic of the adult female, primarily consisting of various shades of gray-brown, which aids in camouflage within nesting environments. However, they often lack the fully developed, precise field marks seen on mature females; specifically, they may exhibit less distinct white eye-rings or fail to show the characteristic bright white teardrop patch extending from the eye. A young male will gradually acquire flashes of his adult coloration over the course of his first year, not achieving full adult plumage until he is ready to breed, typically in his second fall.

Which plumage condition do young Wood Ducks, both male and female, generally exhibit?

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