The best feeder for wood ducks
Nests in tree holes and boxes near wooded water; ducklings leap from the nest cavity on their first morning.
Feeder styles that work
Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.
What to fill it with
- Cracked corn (on water margins)
- Millet
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Wood Duck measures 18.5–21.3 in and weighs 16–30.4 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for wood ducks?
Low ground tray under cover. Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.
What should I put in a feeder for wood ducks?
Cracked corn (on water margins), Millet.
Where should I place a feeder for wood ducks?
Nests in tree holes and boxes near wooded water; ducklings leap from the nest cavity on their first morning.
Sources
- Wood Duck — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Wood Duck life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Wood Duck — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.