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Do all North American duck species have one brood per year, or are there some that have two?
Thanks,
Brett
Answer:
Hi Brett!
A mallard is the one North American species reported to have had more than one brood during one breeding season. This however may be a rare occasion as it is extremely difficult for any duck species to produce one productive brood on the breeding grounds, never mind two. Double brooding may be associated with the age of the female mallard, an early nest initiation date, the length of the breeding season, or if initial brood was lost. Occurrence of a second brood has also been reported in Wood ducks. Female Wood ducks produce second broods more frequently in lower latitudinal areas where the breeding season is longer, as long as there is food availability, and spring precipitation and temperatures are favorable.
Thanks for the great question Brett! Lets hope it’s a productive season on the breeding grounds this year!
Take care,
Carly Michie - Delta Waterfowl Biologist
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