Nest box use, nesting success, and nesting habitat characteristics were examined on 6 study areas in eastern Texas during 1984-85. Box use averaged 29% and nesting success decreased from 82% to 64% over the 2-year study. Nest box characteristics selected by wood ducks (Ab: sponsa) included a lower clear tree bole, orientation of the hole toward open or vegetated water, and proximity of 1 or more additional nest boxes. Habitat characteristics selected included high visibility of the box, closeness to open water, less canopy closure (%), presence of herbaceous marsh within 1 km, and presence of herbaceous wetlands (Le., floating vascular aquatic bed, rooted vascular aquatic bed, and open water). A discriminant function analysis (DFA) model was developed for classification of nesting habitats for wood ducks in eastern Texas.
