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Does Nesting Material Affect Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) Nest Box Selection, Reproduction, and Eggshell Bacteria?
Jacob A Shurba1,2, Kristi J Whitehead3, Hannah L Schley4
1James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, PO Box 596, Georgetown, South Carolina 29442, USA.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|May 16, 2024
Summary
Aspen or cedar shavings are suitable for Wood Duck nest boxes, as neither type affected nest box selection, reproductive success, or bacterial growth. Managers can confidently use either shaving material for nesting Wood Ducks.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife ecology
- Avian conservation
- Microbiology
Background:
- Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) rely on nest boxes for conservation, but material buildup can harbor pathogens.
- Current management involves replacing old shavings, but the impact of different shaving types is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aspen versus cedar shavings on Wood Duck nest box selection, nesting success, and bacterial contamination.
- To assess bacterial growth and diversity on egg surfaces in relation to shaving type.
Main Methods:
- 142 nest boxes in Florida and 111 in Georgia were monitored.
- Nest boxes were randomly filled with either aspen or cedar shavings.
- Egg surfaces (144 in 2020, 150 in 2021) were swabbed to screen for culturable bacteria.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in nest box selection or nesting success between aspen and cedar shavings.
- Bacterial colony types and colony-forming units (CFU) on egg surfaces did not vary based on shaving type.
- Wood Duck reproduction and bacterial growth were unaffected by the type of shaving material used.
Conclusions:
- Both aspen and cedar shavings are suitable nesting materials for Wood Ducks.
- Management decisions regarding nest box shavings can be made without concern for negative impacts on Wood Duck reproduction or bacterial load.
