WHAT MALLARDS REQUIRE FOR BREEDING HABITAT

Early in the breeding season (February to May) it is important to have ample water to attract breeding pairs of mallards. Narrow “serpentine” waterways and even ditches are excellent for maximizing pairs because mallards are highly territorial and space themselves apart from one another. Large, open, shallow water is also suitable, but territorial behavior requires much more water between breeding pairs to reduce conflicts. Emergent vegetation can help reduce visibility and conflict. Breeding hens seek high levels of dietary protein before and during egg-laying, which is best provided by invertebrates such as insects, worms, snails, and tiny aquatic animals.

From March to May, mallards prefer upland nesting cover that is a combination of grasses and leafy plants averaging 18 inches in height. Nesting fields should be located adjacent to or near summer wetlands, and available at least three consecutive years. Mallard hens and their ducklings will readily walk over half a mile from nest sites to wetlands, but cover is important to conceal these movements from predators.

Associated wetlands for raising broods can be as small as one to two acres in size, with good circulation and featuring 30 to 70 percent emergent plant cover. The water should be kept shallow (less than six inches deep) and able to maintain abundant plant and invertebrate food sources from February through July.

In the summer months, adult mallards require large, plant-covered marshes where they can hide from predators while molting. Adults are flightless for about four weeks, and while growing their replacement flight feathers they must be able to feed on high protein foods found within the protective shelter of their selected marsh.