You certainly don’t have to be a waterfowl hunter to enjoy the spring waterfowl migration. This is the time of year when ducks and geese fly north to their breeding grounds.
Many species of ducks migrate through Missouri, but almost all of them keep heading north. There is one duck, however, that is an exception to the rule. This duck commonly nests in Missouri and some claim it to be the most beautiful bird in North America. I’m talking about the wood duck.
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The wood duck is the only duck to nest in Missouri in measurable numbers. Wood ducks are generally present from late March through October in northern Missouri. During mild winters, they have been known to spend the entire year in parts of southeastern Missouri. Wood ducks are also the only ducks to nest in tree cavities. These cavities are formed by decay or by the activities of the larger woodpeckers. Additional use by animals such as squirrels or raccoons tends to enlarge the cavities and makes them suitable for wood ducks.
Cavities close to water are preferred, but “woodies” have been known to nest a mile or more away from water. Cavities high above the ground are commonly used, but wood ducks have been known to use cavities from 3 to 60 feet above ground level. Suitable cavities are sometimes in short supply. In fact, habitat destruction threatened wood duck populations in the early 1900’s. Wood ducks are now abundant and much of the credit goes to artificial nesting boxes. If you are interested in building nesting boxes, the Department of Conservation will provide you with the plans.
Missouri wood ducks are usually associated with rivers, streams and adjacent wetlands. Wetland areas include oxbows, sloughs, or poorly drained bottomland forests. Over the years, construction of man made ponds and lakes has added significant habitat. Wood ducks require a combination of plant and animal foods. Seeds, fruits and tender plants are eaten throughout the year. During the time when higher protein is needed, aquatic invertebrates and insects are important.
Late March and early April are excellent times to view wood ducks, because they are busy searching for nesting cavities. Most of the nesting will occur in April, with nests in northern Missouri starting 10 to 14 days later than those in southern Missouri. The eggs are incubated for about 30 days, and the ducklings leave the nest within 24 hours after hatching. Even from higher nest cavities, the fall to the ground (or water) usually will not hurt the ducklings. Once the ducklings are all hatched, the hen leads her brood to the safety of the nearest water. She will remain with the ducklings for about five weeks. A few hens have been known to re-nest and raise a second brood during the same breeding season.
The wood duck is another success story in Missouri’s conservation history. Visit a local pond, lake, stream or wetland and you may get a glimpse of these beautiful and fascinating birds!
