Wood ducks prefer to use cavities already made by woodpeckers and squirrels, although any cavity is acceptable. Protecting previously used nests is very important. Once successful, a female will nest in the same cavity year after year. Due to the migratory and mobile nature of the Wood Duck, home range is difficult to define. The average feeding radius is 25 to 30 miles every day.
Annual migrations reach hundreds of miles.
Because of the mobility and migratory habits of waterfowl, home range is not a consideration in forest habitat management except in terms of the brood-rearing and nesting requirements discussed above, and feeding radius. Erect nest boxes where cavity trees are lacking Figure 3. Measurements and instructions for erecting a wood duck nest box. Many game and nongame species with habitat requirements similar to wood ducks benefit from wood duck management. Management plans should emphasize the community of species that share wood duck habitat.