Breeding Their breeding habitat is wooded
swamps, shallow lakes,
marshes, ponds and creeks in the eastern
United States, the west coast of the United States, some adjacent parts of southern
Canada, and the west coast of
Mexico. They get their name from being one of the only species of ducks who perch and nest in trees. In recent decades, the breeding range has expanded towards the Great Plains. Currently most breeding occurs in the Mississippi alluvial valley. They usually nest in cavities in trees close to water, although they will take advantage of
nesting boxes in wetland locations. Other species may compete with them for nesting cavities, such as
birds of prey, as well as mammals such as grey squirrels, and these animals may also occupy nest boxes meant for wood ducks. Wood ducks may end up nesting up to a mile away from their water source as a result. Females line their nests with feathers and other soft materials, and the elevation provides some protection from predators such as raccoons, owls, and hawks. Females typically lay seven to fifteen eggs which are
incubated for an average of thirty days.
Vocalizations and mating calls The wood duck has distinctive vocalizations that play an important role in communication, particularly during mating season. The male's primary call is a rising whistle, described as "jeeeeee," while females produce several distinct calls including a drawn-out, rising squeal "do weep do weep" when flushed, and a sharp "cr-r-ek, cr-e-ek" as an alarm call. During courtship displays, wood ducks employ specific mating calls to attract partners and establish pair bonds. These calls are characterized by their melodic, whistling quality and are often accompanied by visual displays such as head-bobbing and wing-flashing. The vocalizations vary between males and females, with each sex having specific calls for different social contexts including mate attraction, territorial defense, and maintaining contact with mates and offspring. ==Predation==