2013 Wood Duck Colored Commemorative Quarter

Part of the Ducks of Canada Quarter Series.

The wood duck's Latin name, Aix sponsa, means "bird in wedding raiment." This stunning and colourful duck is well suited to its flattering Latin nomenclature: in fact, some bird experts consider it the wood duck the most beautiful waterfowl in North America. Found throughout southern Canada in the warm summer months, this unique midsized bird is one of only a few North American duck species to nest in tree cavities.

Design: Designed by Canadian artist Trevor Tennant, this coin features a wood duck breeding pair in glorious full colour. In the foreground, the male sits on a tree branch, his bright red eye peering across his iridescent blue-black back and folded wings. Behind him and poised on the same tree, the female is viewed from her right side, her characteristic white-rimmed eye markings, indigo bill and chestnut brown breast and flank beautifully complemented by her aubergine wings. The reverse is engraved with the word "CANADA," the date "2013," and the face value of "25 CENTS."