Representative Farhat advocates for wood duck as Michigan's official state duck

In a spirited government meeting on May 8, 2025, Michigan lawmakers discussed a proposal to designate the wood duck as the official state duck, highlighting the bird's remarkable conservation story and its significance to the state's natural heritage. Representative Farhat championed the initiative, emphasizing Michigan's commitment to preserving its wetlands and outdoor recreational spaces.

The wood duck, once on the brink of extinction, has made a significant comeback thanks to conservation efforts led by organizations like Ducks Unlimited. Farhat noted that the wood duck's ability to walk, swim, and fly makes it a unique symbol of Michigan's diverse wildlife. He stated, "It is only right that we help enshrine this legacy of conservationist work."

Support for the proposal was echoed by Ducks Unlimited representatives, who shared that the wood duck is now the second most harvested duck in Michigan, following the mallard. Craig Leslie, a volunteer with Ducks Unlimited, highlighted the bird's recovery as a success story comparable to that of the bald eagle. He explained that the wood duck's nesting habits in tree cavities were severely impacted by historical logging practices, but community efforts to build wood duck boxes have helped restore their populations.

The meeting also touched on the fact that Mississippi is currently the only other state with an official state duck, which is also the wood duck. This connection underscores the bird's widespread appeal and importance across regions. Leslie noted that the support for the wood duck among Michigan's 44,000 duck hunters was unanimous, showcasing a strong community backing for the initiative.

As discussions continue, the proposal aims to not only celebrate the wood duck but also to promote awareness of conservation efforts and the importance of protecting Michigan's natural resources for future generations. The committee's next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposal, with hopes of making the wood duck Michigan's official state duck soon.