28 
The Wood Duck 
In the 
Holly Tree 
In fact I have never seen one closer than half a mile to a lake or running 
stream. The entrance-hole to the nest is sometimes so small that it 
seems almost impossible that the bird should be able to enter. Once I 
found a nesj in a tall stump, the entrance to which had been made by 
a flicker. 
Although the uncleared forest is their chosen’ nesting-haunt, they will 
sometimes build close to the homes of man. Among the wooded sand- 
hills of Cape Hatteras there is a living holly tree standing in a dooryard, 
in the cavity of which some Wood Ducks made their 
home each spring for several years. The .opening to, 
the cavity is ten feet from the ground, and the hol- 
low is eight inches in depth. Here the duck would sit and hatch her eggs 
while carts passed along the sandy road within thirty feet, and on the 
ground beneath it the hens cackled and children played. 
That habit which this bird has of lining her nest with the feathers of 
her body serves a double purpose ; not only do 1 the feathers make a soft 
bed, but the down-covered skin of the bird’s breast gives a greater warmth 
to the eggs than would a feathered breast. 
The Wood Duck is a favorite game-bird in many places and is much 
relished as food. Along in August, when the young are nearly grown, 
the sport of the local gunners begins. In regions where the birds are 
numerous they may be found on nearly every pond and stream of any 
size. Often two or more families unite and thus large flocks are formed. 
Their feeding-ground is usually in the clear patches of shallow water 
among rushes and grass, where sometimes they may be approached with 
ease. 
The sight of a group of feeding Wood Ducks, as they bob about, 
dipping their heads under water, is a novel and fascinating one. While 
at rest they enjoy standing or sitting on partly submerged logs or 
stumps, and when feeding appear often to have one or more sentinels 
posted, sometimes on a tree or snag several feet above the water. 
This is one of the birds that has suffered so much by the advance of 
civilization that in many States laws have been passed 
prohibiting anyone from shooting them. Wild Wood 
Ducks are now becoming so scarce they should never 
be shot, nor should their nests or broods be disturbed. 
There are many game-farms and private estates in the country where 
Wood Ducks are now raised for pleasure and profit. 
Protection 
Needed 
Classification and Distribution 
The Wood Duck belongs to the Order Atnseres, and Family Anatidce (Ducks, 
Geese, and Swansf ; its scientific name is Aix sponsa. This species breeds locally 
from Florida to Hudson Bay. and winters from New Jersey and Indiana south- 
ward to southern Mexico, Cuba, and Jamaica. 
This and other Educational Leaflets are for sale, at 3 cents each, by the National Association of 
Audubon Societies, 1974 Broadway, New York City. Lists given on request. 
