Which ground predators are avoided due to the elevated placement of Wood Duck nests?
Answer
Raccoons, snakes, and foxes
The evolutionary choice by Wood Ducks to nest high above the ground or water level within tree cavities provides a substantial defensive advantage against specific terrestrial predators. The elevated placement makes the eggs and the young, when first hatching, significantly inaccessible to creatures such as raccoons, snakes, and foxes, which are adept at finding and raiding ground nests. This architectural defense mechanism is a direct consequence of their commitment to cavity nesting, a trade-off for the energy expenditure required to locate suitable high-up holes.
Related Questions
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