Wood ducks, with their striking iridescent plumage, are among North America’s most visually distinctive waterfowl. These birds are known for their unique nesting habits in tree cavities and their seasonal movements. Their annual journey southward is a fascinating display of adaptation to environmental changes.
Typical Migration Period
Wood ducks from northern breeding grounds begin their southward migration in early fall, often starting in late summer. The precise timing varies, with northern populations departing earlier than those residing in more southern areas. Peak migration occurs from October to November. By November, most wood ducks have departed for their wintering grounds as marshes begin to freeze.
Environmental Cues for Departure
Several environmental factors prompt wood ducks to embark on their southward journey. A primary trigger is the decreasing length of daylight hours, known as photoperiod, which signals the onset of colder seasons. As days shorten, temperatures drop, creating conditions less favorable for their survival. Wood ducks are not tolerant of cold weather, and early frosts encourage them to move south.
Diminishing food sources also play a significant role in their decision to migrate. As autumn progresses, their diet of aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates becomes less accessible or abundant. Freezing temperatures can cover food sources with ice, making foraging difficult. These combined environmental signals compel wood ducks to seek more hospitable climates where food and open water remain plentiful.
Common Wintering Areas
Wood ducks spend the winter months primarily in the southern United States, where milder conditions and abundant resources are available. Key wintering regions include states along the Gulf Coast and the lower Mississippi River Valley, such as Arkansas, Louisiana, and eastern Texas. They also winter in southeastern states like North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, particularly along the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Some populations may travel as far south as Mexico and Cuba.
In these wintering areas, wood ducks seek specific habitats that provide both food and shelter. They favor forested wetlands, swamps, and bottomland hardwood forests. These environments often include beaver ponds, which offer excellent foraging and roosting areas. Green-tree reservoirs (managed flooded timber areas) also serve as important overwintering habitat. Acorns are a significant food source, foraged in flooded timber and agricultural fields.