
152 
Table II. - Nesting Success in Sacramento Valley, 1955. 

Species Total Nests Located Destroyed Deserted Hatched 
Mallard 304 53% 9% 38% 
Gadwall 6 33% 17% 50% 
Cinnamon Teal 23 48% 17% 35% 
Total Ducks 333 52% 9% 39% 
Coots 105 54% 5% 41% 
Wood Duck Study 
The nesting habitat of the wood duck has been greatly reduced by 
agricultural development, but small populations still exist in scattered locations. 
Due to their seclusive habits during the nesting season the full extent of the 
breeding population is not known. A wood duck box survey was started in 1952 
to determine the probable success or feasibility of a large scale program of 
erecting nesting boxes, and to learn more of the local distribution of this species 
in California. To date approximately 150 boxes have been erected throughout 
the northern part of the State. 
Table IIl. - Wood Duck Nesting Box Usage, 1952-1955. 
1952 1953 1954 1955 
Total Boxes ll 51 149 142 
Total Boxes Functional 10 50 129 121 
Percent of Boxes Used by Wood 
Ducks {Includes Boxes with 
Double Usage) 40% 36% 30% 39% 
Percent of Success in Boxes Used 75% 61% 82% 89% 
Average Clutch in Successful Nests l2 14.4 14.1 12,3 
Total Young Leaving Boxes 36 122 335 424 
