Why do wood ducks nest in trees

If nest boxes are placed too close together, many females lay eggs in the nests of other females. Wood Ducks pair up in January, and most birds arriving at the breeding grounds in the spring are already paired. The Wood Duck is the only North American duck that regularly produces two broods in one year. The Wood Duck nests in trees near water, sometimes directly over water, but other times over a mile away. After hatching, the ducklings jump down from the nest tree and make their way to water.

The nest tree may be in the water or near the shoreline but also may be as much as a mile away from water. All of these measurements are just numbers until you realize that young wood ducks must navigate these distances. When they hatch, after about a day incubation period, they are covered with downy feathers but are ready to go.

When the ducklings are about two days old, the mother duck exits the nest, flying to the ground nearby. One by one each little fuzz ball uses its tiny claws to climb up the walls of the nest toward the circle of light and get its first glimpse of the outside world.

Without much time to enjoy the view its 11 to 14 siblings are following close behind the plucky youngster makes a leap of faith, like a sky diver jumping from a plane.

But with no parachute and only tiny wings, the ducklings land with a bounce, or perhaps a splash if the nest tree is in the water. From then on she shows them what to eat — seeds, fruits, acorns and some insects.

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Posted 22m ago 22 minutes ago Thu 11 Nov at pm. Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities. In 4 seconds , you will be redirected to nwfactionfund. The National Wildlife Federation. Wood Duck. Classification: Bird. Description The male wood duck is one of the most recognizable birds in the United States. Range Wood ducks live year-round in the Southeast and along the Pacific coast.

Diet Wood ducks alter their diet throughout their lives. Life History Wood ducks pair up in late winter and begin breeding in early spring. Conservation Wood ducks are not listed as threatened or endangered. Fun Fact Male wood ducks call to females with a squeaky whistle of "jweep.

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