Do Wood Ducks Ever Nest On The Ground?

Question: I thought that wood ducks always nested in tree cavities or nest boxes, but a friend of mine recently told me that woodies have been spotted nesting on the ground. Is that true?

Answer: While it occurs very rarely, your friend is correct! Wood ducks almost exclusively nest in cavities, but on very rare occasions have been found nesting on the ground.

Many species of ducks have a single nesting strategy (upland, cavity, overwater,etc) they consistently apply, but exceptions do occur. Others will readily nest in a broad range of locations. Mallards are one of the most dynamic nesters. While they predominately nest in upland vegetation, they will nest in emergent vegetation within wetlands and in nest structures such as Hen Houses. Another, the black-bellied whistling-duck, will readily use either tree cavities or upland nesting cover.