What Does A Duck Nest Look Like?

There is no better way to spend your leisure time at the park than by feeding or watching the local ducks.

These happy birds are friendly, and it always feels soothing to watch them swim in the ponds or lakes in the afternoon on a nice, sunny day.

If you do visit parks often to feed the local ducks or have a flock of them regularly stopping by your backyard, you may have asked yourself, what does a duck’s nest look like?

Most people have never spotted a duck’s nest because they are well hidden and would wonder if ducks make their nests differently than other, more ‘Typical’ birds.

The answer to this is a little underwhelming. The ducks’ nests look like any other bird’s nest. However, the location of these nests is not as typical.

In this article, we cover where ducks build their nests and how this distinction from other birds’ nests is more advantageous to them. So read more to find out!

Looking for more articles about ducks habitat:

Where Do Ducks Make Their Nests?

Ducks fall under the waterfowl category of birds, which means that they spend quite a lot of time in the water as well as on land.

They can hunt, feed, and even mate while they are swimming in the lakes and ponds, and the features of their bodies have evolved in a way to aid them in this lifestyle.

As you can imagine, they are quite dependent on their access to water. While domesticated ducks spend only 10% of their time in the water, wild ducks spend around 90%!

Of course, this means that waterfowls generally have to live near water.

Therefore, it is crucial that they build their nests in the vicinity of ponds, lakes, and swamps. The incubation period is particularly trying on the mother ducks, and the less distance they have to travel for food the better.

As long as they have access to a large water body nearby, they are happy to build their nests and raise their fuzzy ducklings in any spot.

Do Ducks Nest in Trees or on the Ground?

Ducks would usually find a secluded spot where they are unlikely to be discovered or observed by humans or other animals.

They prefer staying closer to the ground so that ducklings can waddle out of their nests when they are old enough to begin swimming and hunting with their parents.

Oftentimes, mother ducks will dig a small depression in the ground and build a nest in that hole. Other times they will find other structures or dark spaces, such as sheds or birdhouses, to make their nests in.

Ducks that reside in cities and towns have been found to nest in boathouses, wood piles, roof gardens, and even in large flowerpots on balconies.

Sometimes, they might not even bother with building their own nests and simply use some old crows’ nests that have been abandoned instead!

One thing they do make sure to do is that the nest is camouflaged. It’s to protect their chicks and the mother duck from predators.

Why Do Ducks Like to Nest in Trees?

This is not to say that ducks do not nest in trees. Some types of ducks, such as wood ducks, build their nests in natural holes inside trees near the water.

This can be small or dead trees, as long as the cavity is large enough to hold the family.

If the tree is near enough to the water, they will even jump right in from their nests. Living in the tree also means that they are likely to find more insects climbing over the barks, which they can snack on from time to time.

What Months Do Ducks Nest?

While the mating seasons for ducks can vary amongst the different types, they typically lay eggs between mid-March to early July. They lay around 12 eggs every season in 2 to 3-day intervals.

During the laying period, the female duck is unable to hunt as often. The total weight of the eggs laid is more than half of the ducks’ own body weight, so they are left exhausted and weak during this time.

They are heavily dependent on their mates to protect them from their natural enemies and bring them food.

What Materials Do Ducks Use to Make Their Nests?

Like any other bird, ducks build their nests with small branches, leaves, grass, and twigs. They can sometimes add flowers, particularly dandelions, to their structures too.

The materials are arranged in a shape that looks like a donut, with the hole not breaking through the bottom. Additionally, to keep the nest concealed, ducks pull in tall vegetation and arrange them around the nest.

What Materials Do Ducks Use to Make Their Nests

The center indent is where the ducks lay and hatch their eggs in the same way as other birds. A typical duck nest will be a foot across, with the hole being up to 6 inches deep and 9 inches wide.

When the eggs have been laid and are in the process of incubation, the mother duck will cover the eggs and nest with her own feathers to keep the chicks safe.

Conclusion

We now conclude our article on what does a duck nest look like? While ducks are wonderful creatures to have in your backyard, they should be protected.

If you do come across a duck’s nest, leave it well alone because separating ducklings from their parents can be quite traumatizing for both the chicks and the parents.

However, now that you know where they typically nest and what those nests look like, we are sure you will be able to spot a few near your local ponds and parks!

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