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Wood Duck ( Aix sponsa )

Wood Duck ( Aix sponsa ). Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. The Wood Duck. The duck in a “wedding suit” 17 to 20 inches long, about half the size of a mallard. A dabbling duck The only duck that breeds in significant numbers in Georgia.

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Wood Duck ( Aix sponsa )

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  1. Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division

  2. The Wood Duck • The duck in a “wedding suit” • 17 to 20 inches long, about half the size of a mallard. • A dabbling duck • The only duck that breeds in significant numbers in Georgia

  3. Color and Identification • Crested head, white belly, and white line on the wing • Striking color of the male • Female color is gray-brown

  4. Wood Duck Breeding Range

  5. Wood Duck Wintering Range

  6. Historical Background • Abundant in Pre-colonial North America • Nearly extirpated at the turn of the century • Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 • The Duck Stamp Act

  7. The Wood Duck Today • The most common duck in Georgia • Important Game Species • Wood Duck Nest Boxes

  8. Wood Duck Life History • Nest from February through June • Cavity Nester • Hen lays 10-15 eggs • Hatch after 30 days • 24 hours after hatching, hen calls young out of nest • Breed at one year old

  9. Habitat for Woodies

  10. Wood Duck Food Habits • Acorns important in Fall/Winter • Smartweed, wild millet, duckweed, panic grass • Insects in Spring

  11. Wood Duck Population Monitoring • Data Collection • Aerial Surveys • Banding Data • Hunter Harvest Data • Wing collections • Data are used to • Make predictions • Help set regulations

  12. Banding

  13. Harvest Information Program

  14. Wing Collections

  15. Setting Regulations for Waterfowl • Flyway Councils Provide Input • USFWS Sets Framework • States Choose Within Framework • Process repeated each year

  16. US Fish and Wildlife Service Framework for Duck Seasons • Season Length • 0, 30, 45, or 60 days • Bag Limits • Total and Species-specific (2 for Wood Ducks) • Opening and Closing Dates • Last Sunday in January (formerly Jan 20)

  17. Habitat Management • Partnerships • Federal/State Agencies • Conservation Organizations • Private Companies • North American Waterfowl Management Plan

  18. Why Manage Habitat? Good Winter Condition Better Breeding Condition Produce more young More Ducks Return!

  19. M.A.R.S.H. Projects • Matching Aid to Restore State’s Habitat • Create, Restore, or Enhance wetland habitats • $3 million, 33 projects, 15,478 acres • Benefits other wildlife species as well

  20. Wood Duck Nest Boxes • Additional Nest Cavities • Safer Nest Cavities • Must Be Maintained Annually • Enhance Local Populations

  21. Nest Box Predators

  22. Funding for Waterfowl Projects • NAWCA Grants • Conservation Groups • Corporations • Private Sources • Hunters

  23. What can you do? • Buy Federal Duck Stamps and the Georgia Waterfowl Conservation License • Support organizations that conserve wetlands • Put up wood duck boxes in suitable areas

  24. Want to Know More About Wildlife in Georgia? For more information, visit the Wildlife Resources Division Web Site at: www.georgiawildlife.com

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