Overview
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4044 into law, naming the wood duck as Michigan's official state duck.
- Rep. Alabas Farhat of Dearborn sponsored the measure, which cleared both chambers of the Legislature before reaching the governor.
- A Michigan duck rescue leader welcomed the decision and said it could help more people notice and appreciate the species.
- The National Audubon Society notes the wood duck once declined because hunting and the loss of nesting sites reduced its numbers.
- Michigan adds this designation to a roster of state symbols that includes the robin, the brook trout, and the white pine.