Riperian Corridor Birds

In many areas of Ohio where the former woodlands have been reduced to small isolated woodlots (usually no more than 10 to 50 acres), the forested stream corridors extend for miles in an unbroken band and provide a large percentage of the woodland habitats required by so many species. This is particularly true for many of Ohio's breeding bird species.

The presence or absence of key indicator species is one way to assess the quality of the riparian forests found along Ohio's scenic rivers.

Riperian Corridor Birds of Ohio

Wood Duck (Aix spinosa)

Wood DuckMigrant and summer resident

Wood ducks are one of the most widely distributed of Ohio's resident waterfowl.

Strictly a cavity nester, the wood duck locates its nest adjacent to or directly over the water at heights ranging from a few feet (in the case of artificial nesting boxes) to 50 feet or more, in the cavities of mature trees.

Wood ducks are a true riparian species, preferring mature riparian corridors along streams, secluded wooded swamps, and the quiet backwaters of lakes and ponds bordered by large trees.

Decimated by habitat destruction and over-hunting before the turn of the century, this species has gradually been increasing its numbers in Ohio with the aid of artificial nesting boxes and hunting regulations. Broods of young wood ducks are now a common sight for many canoeists on Ohio rivers in early to mid-summer.