North America is home to the perching duck species known as the wood duck or Carolina duck (Aix sponsa). One of the most vivid North American waterfowl is the drake wood duck.
Fun Facts
- Given the lack of available natural nesting cavities, the Wood Duck readily makes use of artificial nesting boxes. Many females lay their eggs in the nests of other females if nest boxes are positioned too closely together.
- The majority of wood ducks who arrive at the breeding grounds in the spring have already paired up since wood ducks pair up in January. The only duck that typically raises two broods in a year is the Wood Duck in North America.
- The Wood Duck builds its nests in trees that are close to water, sometimes over it and other times more than a mile away. Following hatching, the ducklings leap from the nest tree and get to the water. Although she summons them to her, the mother does not offer any assistance. Ducklings may jump from a height of more than 50 feet without suffering any harm.
Predators
Humans pursue wood ducks. Wood ducklings are prey for owls, raccoons, red foxes, and black rat snakes.
Diet
Eat primarily seeds for food. Consumes aquatic plant seeds, fallen tree and shrub seeds, insects, and crustaceans as food. In many places, acorns are an important element of the diet. Comes to farms as well to consume leftover grain. Mostly insects and other invertebrates are what young animals eat.
Habitat
Ponds, rivers, and wooded wetlands. Favors slow-moving rivers, bogs, shallow inland lakes, and ponds, especially those that are surrounded by deciduous or mixed woods. Frequently in areas where tall trees enclose the water and provide shade. Additionally in open marshes in a normally wooded area.
As Pet
Wood ducks are protected bird species; hence, it is illegal to keep them as pets. The care of this duck is the same as the other. There is no data on specific care information about this breed.
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