Ornithological Lesson - Wood Duck Traditional Cache

This is part of a bird oriented series that concentrates on species that occur in the central part of the state at least for part of the year (primarily nesting season).

The Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) is considered the most beautiful bird in North American. They are year round residents in Louisiana and nest in tree cavities or boxes with a 4” entrance hole (boxes typically are 10” x 10” x 24”). No material is brought in for nest construction but it is lined with down feathers from the breast. They lay 10-15 dull white eggs and incubate for about 30days. Eggshells are not removed from but are broken into small pieces female and ducklings that often show successful nesting.

Usually Wood Ducks are found in pairs or small groups. Food is mainly acorns and other seeds commonly found in flooded bottomland along with aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.  Wood Ducks often feed and rest with Mallards.