Why Do Mallards Nest in Town?

by
posted on April 28, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (26)

While many ducks require specific habitats for nesting and survival, the mallard is like the whitetail deer of the waterfowl world. He is highly adaptable, widely spread (even internationally) and an aggressive breeder. Which is why so many resident populations of mallards are found, yet localized pintails or teal are rare events.

The phenomenon is due in part to mallard hens' non-picky nesting habits. It's amazing all the seemingly inhospitable places you'll find them this time of year: on rooftops, in gardens, tucked away amidst professional landscaping or commonly even in flowerpots. According to Ducks Unlimited, as long as hen mallards' three basic needs are met—adequate nesting cover, nearby food, and proximity to water—they'll pop out eggs just about anywhere, even in town.

Take, for instance, this hen photographed by my buddy Tyler Coleman in downtown State College, Pennsylvania:

The hen laid a whopping 14 eggs beside the foundation of a college apartment complex. Given that average clutch size is 12, we can assume city life has been good for her health. Tyler found another hen nearby with 9 eggs, positioned similarly along the side of the building.

It's actually not a bad nesting strategy, given that there's less likelihood of encountering predators in town, save the occasional feral cat. If you do spot a duck nesting in your lawn or garden, keep in mind the cycle may repeat itself the following spring. Mallards are philopatric, which means that when a hen nests successfully, she'll often return to the same site next year.

Latest

Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation Logo
Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation Logo

Oklahoma Wildlife Commission Passes Rules for Nonresident Hunters, Public Hunting Lands

New emergency rules and resolutions for public hunting lands were approved last month by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

First Look: Premium and Premium Deluxe Die Sets From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment has expanded its Premium Die Set and Premium Deluxe Die Set product lines, including over seventy of the most popular cartridges in the industry today.

Junior Hunter Gear: Get Your Kids Into the Field

Looking for ways to get your fields out from behind the screens and into the great outdoors this summer? Check out these great pieces of outdoor kit to help spur the process.

Stealth Cam Adds On-Demand Livestream

Shortly after teasing the launch of its new trail camera functionality at the 2025 SHOT Show, Stealth Cam has announced that On Demand Live Stream is available via the Command Pro app.

#SundayGunday: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 A.I.

On this week's #SundayGunday, Digital Associate Editor David Herman talks with Benelli Vice President Tim Joseph about Benelli's new Super Black Eagle 3 with A.I. barrel technology.

NRA Foundation Awards $13,500 in College Scholarships

The National Rifle Association is proud to announce the Grand Scholarship winners from the 2024 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.)—a group of exceptional students selected for their leadership, initiative, and dedication to advancing NRA programs within their communities.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.