Nest Productivity, Brood Survival, and Habitat Use of Wood Ducks (A̲i̲x̲ S̲p̲o̲n̲s̲a̲) at the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area, Kentucky

Nest Productivity, Brood Survival, and Habitat Use of Wood Ducks (A̲i̲x̲ S̲p̲o̲n̲s̲a̲) at the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area, Kentucky
Author: Mark Patrick Vrtiska
Publisher:
Total Pages: 210
Release: 1991
Genre: Wood duck
ISBN:

Other researchers have suggested increased harvest and hunting opportunities for wood ducks may be possible in the southern states prior to fall migration because an increased harvest of locally produced birds would have little impact on migrant populations. Therefore, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved a three-year, experimental early duck season for Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida. The season has continued in Kentucky, but there was concern that the increased harvest may be affecting local populations due to the increased number of adult females being taken. Currently, the wood duck is the number one duck harvested in Kentucky, and most of that harvest occurs in the September early season. A study was conducted at the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area, located in Henderson and Union Counties, Kentucky to determine nest productivity, brood survival, natural cavity density and use, and brood habitat use.

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.