Michigan Welcomes Its First Official Duck: The Wood Duck

Michigan is about to get a feathery new state symbol. Lawmakers in the state legislature have been championing the idea of naming the wood duck as Michigan’s official duck, and the effort has now cleared both chambers.

The journey began in June 2025, when the Michigan House breezed the historic measure through its chamber. On Wednesday, the Michigan Senate followed suit, giving a decisive 30-4 vote in favor of the colorful bird, officially crowning the wood duck as the state’s very first duck emblem.

Why the Wood Duck?

The wood duck isn’t just any bird in the pond. The male wood duck is instantly recognizable thanks to its vivid green head feathers and striking red eyes—a natural showstopper designed to attract a mate.

The female, meanwhile, sports a subtler palette. Her soft, muted tones provide camouflage while she tends to her ducklings, proving that in nature, beauty and practicality can go wing in wing.

Michigan now joins the ranks of states celebrating their wildlife with official symbols, and the wood duck’s designation highlights the state’s rich natural heritage and its vibrant wetlands. Keep an eye out—these dazzling birds might just be the next thing you spot on a Michigan morning walk.