Distribution Map - Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

Species Code: AISP

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only.
© NatureMapping Program

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Predicted breeding range

= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Fact Sheet: Basic (Grades K-6) | Advanced (7-12)

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Observations | Historic Gap points

Habitat

This species is common in lowland forested areas with adjacent open water on both sides of the Cascade crest. In eastern Washington, they are also found on wooded ponds, lakes, or rivers. They are uncommon in the central Columbia Basin and rare in eastern and southeastern Washington though there have been confirmed nesting records in Asotin County (not incorporated into the BBA database) and in Walla Walla. In northeastern Washington, they are limited to lower elevation areas, especially along the major northern river valleys.

In western Washington all zones below Silver Fir were the core areas of use and the Silver Fir was the peripheral area of use. In eastern Washington, forested zones below and including Interior Douglas-fir were the core areas of use and the Steppe zones were peripheral. Throughout, all freshwater/wetlands were good habitats. On the west side, where Wood Ducks are frequently found near wetlands below our mapping resolution, all forests and wooded parks were included knowing there may be smaller pockets of habitat suitable for them. On the east side, where they are more limited to mapped wetlands, hardwood/mixed forests and wooded parks were included knowing there may be smaller pockets of habitat suitable for them. However, they are excluded from the Blue Mountains, and in the Steppe zones they are limited to areas where breeding is confirmed or likely.

The elevation limit of Wood Ducks is poorly known. Based on atlas records, Wood Ducks rarely nest in the Silver Fir zone in western Washington or above the Interior Douglas-fir zone in eastern Washington. However, coverage of mid-elevation forests is minimal, so the species may occur in sub-alpine forests near appropriate water bodies. Some mid-elevation breeding status is difficult to ascertain, as many birds form pairs there (and are thus reported as probable breeders) but breed elsewhere. Some pairs do nest locally in the Basin in areas where nest boxes are supplied (such as on the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Desert Wildlife Area, and parks in Clarkston).

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Map by Dave Lester