I have certainly seen this with Aust Wood Ducks. Don’t know how often. So quite possibly other duck species may do this, though I don’t think I have noticed
it in others. Though how many other ducks commonly nest in tree hollows? The suggestion is that it is maybe intentional to not reveal the location of the nest to possible predators. That is a possibility but also a big leap of logic to give it that reason.
For the behaviour to evolve for that reason seems quite farfetched as how can the benefit be so great and what are the predators that it would be designed for. Presumably humans? I hadn’t come across the suggestion before and had not thought it. I see it as
that if you watch Aust Wood Ducks walking along the ground, the males typically walk a few steps behind their female and either follow or guide them from behind. (This is like Queen Liz & Prince P.) because in the duck’s case, he is continually guarding her.
I had simply seen it as he commonly accompanying her to the nest location but did not need to go into the nest.
Philip
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of David McDonald (Personal)
Sent: Friday, 1 October, 2021 3:51 PM
To: 'Canberrabirds'
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Waterfowl nesting behaviour
Greetings. Every Friday, a neighbour of mine distributes an email on a natural history topic to interested locals. Today’s reads, in part:
Many Waterfowl species will nest in open tree hollows, ingeniously disguising the entrance with flybys where the pair fly close and fast in unison past the hollow with one disappearing into the hollow whilst the second
continues on, attracting an onlookers' gaze.
I had not heard of this behaviour before. Any comments/observations, please?
David
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David McDonald
1004 Norton Road, Wamboin NSW 2620, Australia
Tel: (02) 6238 3706 | Mobile: 0416 231 890
E-mail: m("dnmcdonald.id.au","david");">
