Return to Top. In the North, birds return when the ice melts; egg-laying begins soon afterward. The Wood Ducks being raised down in Miami, FL are probably on their 2nd clutch by now. Clean out old nesting material and replace with fresh wood shavings after a brood is complete in case of a second nest attempt. These birds live in wooded swamps, where they nest in holes in trees or in nest boxes put up around lake margins. The most common natural cavities are Pileated Woodpecker holes, but artificial nest boxes are used as well. Researchers have tried varying shapes of nest boxes and even yellow, translucent tops to keep starlings from nesting in wood duck boxes. Abundant in eastern North America in Audubon's time, the Wood Duck population declined seriously during the late 19th century because of … Wood Ducks nest in cavities near or above water, up to 65 feet high. Wood ducks are “secondary nesters” since they do not create cavities to nest in. Males are iridescent chestnut and green, with ornate patterns on nearly every feather; the elegant females have a distinctive profile and delicate white pattern around the eye. Things to know about a mallard nest. Cavity-nesting ducks frequently lay eggs in the nests of other ducks. Wood Duck is the only North American duck that regularly produces 2 broods in 1 breeding season. There were 8 babies that … I had a hen Wood Duck come off of the nest this morning with 17 babies but she is a 3 year old bird. Beautiful and unique, this duck of woodland ponds and river swamps has no close relatives, except for the Mandarin Duck of eastern Asia. FWC personnel maintain wood duck nest boxes on public waters throughout the state and also cooperate with private citizens, government agencies, and groups such as local Ducks Unlimited chapters and Boy Scout troops to erect and maintain nest boxes. Donations the Wood Duck Society Website help us in our quest to educate the public on wood ducks and teach time proven methods for installing wood duck nest boxes. The male wood duck is one of the most recognizable birds in the United States. ©DUC. The Wood Ducks being raised down in Miami, FL are probably on their 2nd clutch by now. I guess it just amounts to what part of the country you are in and how old the hen is. Fortunately, wood ducks readily accept manmade next boxes in place of natural cavities. Wood ducks nest in trees to keep the eggs away from predators. The male wood duck is one of the most recognizable birds in the United States. A mother duck sits on her eggs for 20 to 23 hours a day, taking an average of three breaks, each lasting around an hour at a time. The nest bowl is 7-8 inches in diameter and 1-2 inches deep. “They’re not like a woodpecker and peck their own hole,” Kaminski said. Nest Description Nest cavities can have openings as small as 4 inches across, and these may be preferred because they are harder for predators to enter.