Did you know? Cavity-nesting ducks

May 22, 2012 in Ducks and Did You Know...? with 6 comments

With their special water-resistant plumage, ducks are made for water. But did you know that several species of duck actually require trees when it comes to breeding? Some ducks are cavity nesters. We've recently added one of these cute little cavity-nesting ducks to Birdorable. The Bufflehead is one of the smallest species of duck to live in North America. They're just about 14 inches long, and they use cavities excavated by Northern Flicker woodpeckers! They also use nestboxes, as in the photo below.

Besides the Bufflehead, some other ducks that nest in cavities or nest boxes are: Hooded Merganser; Black-bellied Whistling Duck; Wood Duck; Common Goldeneye; and Common Merganser.

Comments

Tough Titmouse on May 22, 2012 at 2:56 PM wrote:

Hooray! A new birdorable! BTW, I didn't know.

Tough Titmouse on May 22, 2012 at 2:57 PM wrote:

I like how you put the little ducklings with their mommy...

Tough Titmouse on May 22, 2012 at 8:23 PM wrote:

Too cute!

tom price on July 28, 2016 at 9:54 AM wrote:

I built a duck box and was rewarded with a family of cavity dwelling ducks each and every year until a raccoon pretty much destroyed the box, I highly suggest building one according to specifications and you'll enjoy it as much as I have

Louise Warner on February 20, 2017 at 6:18 PM wrote:

what about leather backs? don't they nest in houses?

ET Robinson on April 17, 2025 at 9:39 PM wrote:

Barrow's Goldeneye too!

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.

Your name (required)

Your email address (required)

Your email address will not be published

Comment (required)

I agree to receive updates and news from Birdorable

You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

Welcome to Flamingo Week!

September 16, 2018

Join us this week as we celebrate flamingos! There are six species of flamingo in the world and you can find them all here on Birdorable! American Flamingo James's Flamingo Greater Flamingo Chilean Flamingo Lesser Flamingo Andean Flamingo The

Gray Jay Named National Bird of Canada

November 19, 2016

Last year, in a public poll conducted by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Canadian citizens voted for an unofficial national bird to represent their country. The finalists were: the Canada Goose, long associated with the national identiy; the

Busting a Bird Myth: Do Birds Sing Because They're Happy?

February 19, 2024

The melody of birdsong, weaving through a thick forest or a productive meadow, often evokes a feeling of joy. While this sentiment is charming, the true reasons behind avian vocalizations are much more complex and fascinating.....

2023 Bonanza Bird #2

Exploring the Charms of the Bokmakierie: Southern Africa's Singing Bush-Shrike

November 28, 2023

Today a striking bird from southern Africa joins Birdorable. It's the Bokmakierie! The Bokmakierie is a vibrant and charismatic bird that's as interesting as it is melodious. Native to Southern Africa, the Bokmakierie is a bush-shrike, known for its striking yellow and green plumage and a loud, melodious call. The...

Birdorable Blog