Adventures Outdoors'
In Wisconsin
WOOD DUCK
(Aix sponsa)
The Wood Duck was very abundant in Wisconsin in the early years and was an important food for early settlers of the state. But during the late 1800,s and early 1900,s their population drastically declined. Ducks were hunted as well as trapped by the thousands for food and their feathers. In 1901 the US Biological Survey reported that the Wood Duck was facing possible extinction. Their nesting habitat was also being destroyed by logging. And the birds required protection.
Some how they survived extinction and recently their numbers climbed because of Wisconsin's "second growth" timber. The Wood Duck now numbers over 300,000 birds, the majority of them inhabiting the southern and central parts of the state. The introduction of the manmade Wood Duck house has greatly increased their nesting success. The Raccoon represents their biggest threat and to keep them out the opening of the entrance must be 3X4 inches in a elliptical shape. The Ducks will use them more often if placed in the water on a pole than if they are in the timber.
They are a very colorful bird about 18-21 inches in length and 1-2 lbs average weight. The Drakes head is quite the display with a crown and long crest in iridescent colors of greens, purples, and blues with white stripes and a purely white chin patch extending towards the bright red eye and back up the neck. His upper body is littered with dark green and black feathers with the sides being buff and the chest a flecked chestnut and white color. The bill is patched in red, white, and black as well as outlined in yellow. The older birds have a thicker yellow outline. The Hen is much smaller and is colored grayish brown with a bold white eye patch. Their bellies are white and feet are a dull yellow. Wood ducks have long claws for climbing. The Wood Duck doesn't quack like most ducks but produces a loud squeal.
Courtship begins at the wintering grounds and arrive at the breeding grounds in pairs. After they mate the Hen becomes the leader as the Drake follows Her to find a nesting spot. They typically find a tree cavity, abandon woodpecker nest, dry tree cavity near water or a Wood Duck box to nest in and sometimes will go as far as a mile away from water to locate one. She than lays between 10-15 dull white eggs which hatch in about 30 days. The Drake waits nearby to feed with the Hen. After about the fourth week of incubation the pair separates. After the eggs hatch they stay in the nest one day and than climb out when the Hen calls them with a low clucking noise. She than leads them to water to feed. After 8-10 weeks the ducklings can fly and they will form small flocks to fly to the wintering grounds. Wood Ducks eat a wide variety of foods consisting of fruits, nuts, grain, corn, insects, and of course their favorite, acorns. Most Wood Ducks winter in the southeastern part of the US. While they migrate they fly in small flocks and gather at night to roost.
Look below for Wood Duck house plans. CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR LARGE VIEW OF HOUSE PLANS.
