Wood Ducks and Habitat Improvement

Wood ducks are a beautiful, unique species of waterfowl that are found across North America.They are extremely popular with hunters in the Southeast and with proper habitat improvement and management, you can help improve their numbers on your property.

To help promote their numbers, wood duck boxes can be installed in wetlands, wooded swamps, and other areas with access to water. These boxes provide an artificial nesting site for wood ducks and can help to increase their population in a given area. In order to provide the best habitat for wood ducks, it is important to consider the type of water, vegetation, and surrounding landscape. Wood ducks prefer shallow, still-water areas with nearby trees and shrubs for cover. Brush piles and other debris should also be provided to give the ducks additional places to hide.

When selecting a site for a wood duck box, it is important to make sure that the area is safe from predators. The box should be placed at least 10 feet above the water, but no higher than 20 feet. Additionally, it should be located in an area that will not be disturbed by human activity.

Once the site is chosen, the box should be constructed using cedar, cypress, or redwood—all types of wood that are resistant to rot and insect damage. The box should be built with an entrance hole that is 1 ½ - 2 ½ inches in diameter. Additionally, the box should have a perch near the entrance hole and a slanted roof to help protect the box from the elements.

Finally, it is important to monitor the box and check for eggs or young birds. If eggs or young birds are found, it is best to leave them alone so that the parents can care for them. With the right habitat, wood ducks will have the chance to flourish and make a positive contribution to their environment.