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Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae Chick Type: Precocial (Parental attendance) Wood Ducks are found throughout the eastern half of the U.S., upper western states and along the Pacific coast line. Eastern U.S. populations over winter in the southeast. While western populations will over winter along the Pacific coast. This species was in danger of extinction in the early 1900's because of unregulated hunting and habitat loss. Luckily, this species has made a comeback due to federal protection, preservation of habitat and putting up nest boxes. Their diet consists of aquatic vegetation, seeds of trees (such as acorns), berries and wild rice. Nests are built in tree cavities. After hatching, the young jump from the nest (around 30 feet high, but can be up to 290 feet) on to the forest floor and follow their mother to a body of water. The young is able to find food for themselves, and only needs parental attendance. The clutch size is around 6 - 14 tan to whitish colored eggs. Incubation time is around 30 days. Males do not play a role in the incubation or rearing process (not a bad deal!). |
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