Meet the Wood Duck

As the name suggests, Wood Ducks ‘require wooded cover for nesting’. They prefer wooded swamps or marshes; but can also be found in freshwater wetlands, shady ponds, creeks, shallow lakes, and quiet rivers. By using the strong claws on their feet, Wood Ducks can climb up into trees and perch securely on branches. They usually nest in tree holes (or cavities) too; but are not capable of digging holes for their nests. Wood Ducks must find holes that are already present and often use the ones that woodpeckers have made in the past. They will also use man-made nest boxes, which has helped increase their numbers. Hens use their own down feathers to put around the eggs in their nests.