Environment
Fact-checked

At AllThingsNature, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is the Mottled Duck?

Jodee Redmond
Jodee Redmond

The mottled duck is native to Florida and the Gulf coast of Texas. Unlike migratory birds, this species does not relocate during different times of the year. Both males and females are brown in color, and this type of water fowl may be mistaken for a Mallard duck. They nest on the ground and females may lay a dozen or more eggs in a single clutch.

An adult mottled duck can measure up to two feet (0.6 meters) in length and weighs up to 2.5 lb (1.13 kilograms). The duck’s head is covered in light-colored feathers and the feathers on the duck’s back are a dark brown color. The legs are an orange color, and the duck’s eyes are dark. The male’s bill color is yellow, while in females the bill is orange.

Peregrine falcons prey on mottled ducks.
Peregrine falcons prey on mottled ducks.

This variety of duck can be found living in rivers and ponds. The Florida population lives in both fresh and brackish water areas. The mottled duck may also be found in areas where annual flooding is common. In some cases, these ducks can be spotted in ditches or ponds formed after heavy rains.

The nesting season for this species can start as early as January. The nests are located near water but positioned so that they are above the waterline. Most mottled ducklings are born in early spring, although breeding can continue as late as July. The egg color can range from a cream to a greenish-white. The mother duck will incubate the eggs for a period of up to 27 days before they hatch.

The mother duck will move her young out of the nest and into the water shortly after they hatch. The mottled duck feeds on water plants, as well as fish or small aquatic animals. The mottled duck will also feed on insects and mollusks, if these food sources are readily available.

The duck's natural predators include carnivorous animals like snapping turtles and alligators. Ducklings may also become food for bullfrogs. Mottled ducks of all ages are at risk from the air from birds such as Peregrine falcons and harriers.

The mottled duck population is experiencing a slow but steady decline. As humans develop former wetlands for their own needs, the amount of land available for the ducks to live on will continue to decrease. Population levels are also affected by mottled ducks breeding with Mallard ducks to produce a hybrid species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mottled duck and where can it be found?

The mottled duck is a North American dabbling duck species, closely related to the mallard, with a distinctive mottled brown body, yellow bill, and a buffy head. It is native to coastal marshes of the Gulf of Mexico, from Mexico to Alabama, and the Atlantic coast of Florida. Its habitat includes freshwater marshes, ponds, and estuaries.

How does the mottled duck differ from other duck species?

Mottled ducks are unique in their non-migratory behavior and their preference for coastal habitats. Unlike many duck species, they remain in the same region year-round. They are also distinguishable by their plumage, which lacks the bright iridescent colors found in many other ducks, and by their yellowish-orange bill, which is more subdued in females.

What does the mottled duck eat?

Mottled ducks are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes seeds, aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish. They feed by dabbling at the water's surface rather than diving, often foraging in shallow waters where they can easily reach food with their bills.

Is the mottled duck considered an endangered species?

While not currently listed as endangered, the mottled duck is considered to be of conservation concern due to habitat loss and hybridization with introduced mallards. Efforts are being made to preserve their habitats and monitor populations to ensure their survival. According to the IUCN Red List, the mottled duck is categorized as "Least Concern," but vigilance is necessary to maintain its status.

How do mottled ducks reproduce and raise their young?

Mottled ducks are monogamous during the breeding season. Females build nests in dense marsh vegetation and lay an average of 8 to 10 eggs. After hatching, the ducklings are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth. The mother leads them to water where they feed themselves, under her supervision.

What conservation efforts are in place for the mottled duck?

Conservation efforts for the mottled duck include habitat protection and restoration, research on population dynamics, and management of hunting regulations to ensure sustainable populations. Organizations like Ducks Unlimited and local wildlife agencies work to conserve wetlands, which are crucial for the mottled duck's survival, and to educate the public about the species' importance.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Peregrine falcons prey on mottled ducks.
      By: falconhy
      Peregrine falcons prey on mottled ducks.