Which natural element do Wood Ducks rely on for nesting cavities since they cannot excavate their own?
Answer
Abandoned excavations made by woodpeckers
Wood Ducks exhibit a strong preference for nesting in tree cavities, typically located near or directly above water sources like sluggish streams or wooded swamps. Because they lack the ability to drill or create these holes themselves, they depend entirely on natural cavities formed by decay or, more commonly, abandoned excavations originally made by other species, particularly woodpeckers. Once a suitable cavity is located, the female prepares the nest by lining the interior using soft down feathers plucked from her own breast before beginning to lay her clutch.
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