Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley

The mallard is probably the most well known species of wild duck, and is common throughout North and Central America, Europe and Asia. It measures about 2 feet long and weighs approximately 2 1/2 pounds. The male is brightly colored with an iridescent green head and white collar around the neck; the female is brown streaked. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic vegetation, but also includes grains, berries, worms, insects and small fish. Mallards can be seen flying in a "V" formation in-groups of 40 to 60. They can fly at altitudes of 9,000 feet and at speeds of 55 miles per hour.

Some mallards are seasonally monogamous, although the male leaves before the young are born. They build ground nests near waterways, digging shallow depressions into the earth which are then lined with grass and feathers. Eight to 12 eggs are laid and hatch between March and July. The young leave the nest soon after hatching, when they are led to water. Young ducklings can fly within two months. Their lifespan is between 10 - 15 years.

Feeding Ducks: Feeding ducks food such as bread can fill them up on food that is not nutritious for them. This can weaken them, making them more susceptible to diseases. Instead, provide them with corn or grain, which is appropriate to their needs.

Ducks Landing in Backyard Pools or Ponds

Why?  Ducks are used to landing in water and have no understanding of private property - except their own when they are nesting.

Suggestions:

• Keep a pool covered to prevent duck access as much as possible. Once the birds are there, shouting and waving arms will usually frighten them off.
• Erect visual repellents that move in the wind: large helium-filled balloons with eye patterns marked on them, or a large black plastic sheet atop a pole.  Either must be repositioned frequently.

Ducks Grazing on Lawn

Why?  Ducks do not usually feed on lawns and other grassy areas unless other food is scarce.

Suggestions:

• Mow grass less often.  Ducks prefer to feed on short, green grass.
• Clean up fallen fruit and birdseed.