Where does the wood duck nest and breed?
Wood ducks nest from April through June in tree cavities and man-made nest boxes. They use their long, squared tails and sharp claws to move through trees and reach their nesting sites. • Wood duck nests are located no more than a mile from water. Females use down feathers and debris from the tree cavity to make their nest. • The female lays nine to 12 eggs that hatch in about a month. • Within 24 hours of hatching, the wood ducklings climb out of the nest and fall to the ground. The female leads her ducklings to the nearest water body. • Young wood ducks are able to fly about 60 days after hatching. Prior to bring able to fly, the young are protected by their mother. Other facts about the wood duck: • The wood duck is the only dabbling duck in the Chesapeake region to nest in tree cavities.
