Nest Box Selection of Wood Ducks as Influenced by Color and Site Factors

Nest Box Selection of Wood Ducks as Influenced by Color and Site Factors
Author: Thomas Earl Morse
Publisher:
Total Pages: 96
Release: 1969
Genre: Wood duck
ISBN:

Selection of colored nest boxes by wood ducks (Aix sponsa) was evaluated during the breeding seasons of 1967-68 in Benton County, Oregon. No color or site factor influence was observed in 1967 when nest boxes were erected in sets of eight boxes served in 1967 when nest boxes were erected in sets of eight boxes adjacent to water. Color and site factor influence was observed in 1968 when the nest boxes of a set were erected on a diagonal plane extending from water's edge into the woods. Nest box selection by adult hens in 1968 was influenced by a strong fidelity to color of the box in which they had successfully nested in 1967. Nest box selection by yearling hens in 1968 was not influenced by color of the box in which it hatched but was related to an interaction of color and vegetational obstruction in the foreground of the box. Bright colors (white, yellow, orange and red) appeared to offset the adverse effects of vegetational obstruction on nest box selection. Nest box selection and inspection was found to be influenced by visibility of the entrance hole. No relationship was determined between the location of the first nest selected within a set and selection of subsequent nest boxes within the same set. It appears that erecting boxes painted conspicuous colors will enhance utilization of boxes in woody areas and will increase the available nesting habitat away from the margins of a pond or a stream.

The Nesting Behavior and Productivity of the Wood Duck, A̲i̲x̲ S̲p̲o̲n̲s̲a̲ (Linnaeus) (Aves: Anitidae) in Madison County, Kentucky, with Observations of Nest Box Utilization

The Nesting Behavior and Productivity of the Wood Duck, A̲i̲x̲ S̲p̲o̲n̲s̲a̲ (Linnaeus) (Aves: Anitidae) in Madison County, Kentucky, with Observations of Nest Box Utilization
Author: Larry Joseph Hindman
Publisher:
Total Pages: 138
Release: 1975
Genre: Wood duck
ISBN:

Wood duck (Aix sponsa) nesting behavior, nest box production and utilization was studied from 1972 to 1974 on three areas in Madison County, Kentucky. Spring arrival of wood ducks occurred in late February and early March. Nest searching began the second week of March. The dates of first laying varied from March 21 to March 23. Egg laying reached a peak in late March. Eggs were deposited at the rate of one egg per day. Average clutch size of all wood duck nests was 12.2 eggs. Average clutch size of normal nests was 11.5 eggs. Clutch size varied from 9 to 20 eggs. One dump nest was discovered. The mean incubation period was 30.3 days. The positions of wood duck eggs changed daily during incubation. A total of 117 wood duck eggs were laid in nest boxes and 77 ducklings left the boxes. Hatching success was 65.8 percent. Three natural cavities containing wood duck nests were located. Mean clutch size for nests in natural cavities was 13.7 eggs. Hatching success was 92.7 percent. The peak hatching period occurred during the third and fourth weeks of May. Brood size decreased from 9.6 ducklings at hatching to 4.3 ducklings at flight stage. No predation of nesting wood ducks or eggs was noted. Competition for nest boxes was severe. Wildlife species occupied 91.4 percent of available nest boxes in 1972 and 73.6 percent in 1973. The starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was the most serious nest competitor. Wood duck usage of nest boxes was low but increased from two nests (7.2 percent) in 1972 to eight nests (20.5 percent) in 1973. This increase was due to improved maintenance and relocation of nest boxes.

Environmental Impact Research Program. Wood Duck Nest Boxes. Section 5.1.2. US Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Resources Management Manual

Environmental Impact Research Program. Wood Duck Nest Boxes. Section 5.1.2. US Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Resources Management Manual
Author: Kenneth T. Ridlehuber
Publisher:
Total Pages: 25
Release: 1986
Genre:
ISBN:

A management techniques report on wood duck nest boxes is provided as Section 5.1.2 of the US Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Resources Management Manual. The report was prepared as a guide to assist Corps biologists and resource managers in developing and implementing nest box programs for wood ducks (Aix sponsa) on project lands. Topics covered include assessment of broad habitat, nest box design and construction, placement and installation, personnel and costs, and conditions and limitations. One of the most popular and effective management techniques for wood ducks is the provision of artificial nesting structures. Where natural cavities are limited, increases in local wood duck populations may be expected when nest boxes are properly constructed, located, and protected from predators. Detailed descriptions are provided in this report for two basic nest box types, the wooden box and vertical metal box; other acceptable designs are mentioned with their respective advantages listed. A variety of predator guards and supports are described and illustrated. Recommendations are given for the proper placement, installation, and maintenance of wood duck nesting structures.