Wood Duck Brood Survival On The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

Two methods were used to determine survival. In 1968, newly hatched ducklings were web-tagged and subsequently recaptured. The survival rate from hatching to flight stage was 56%, In 1969, direct observation was the method used. Observations of 77 broods revealed a 52% survival from hatching to six weeks of age, with 74% of the total mortality occuring during the first two weeks after hatching.