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Population Dynamics of Breeding Waterfowl

III. Proportion of Birds that Attempt to Breed

D. Synopsis

Waterfowl reach reproductive maturity as yearlings among most dabbling ducks, as one- or two-year-olds among diving ducks, as two- or three-year-olds among most sea ducks and geese, and as three-year-old or older birds among swans. Not all reproductively mature birds are able to breed, especially males. Younger birds or ones in poorer physical condition are less likely to nest. Wetland conditions on North American prairies affect breeding incidence of many species of ducks; similar relations have been noted among South African and Australian waterfowl. Crowding may reduce the incidence of breeding.

Renesting varies with the length of the breeding season; it is virtually absent among swans and geese in northern areas, whereas double brooding occurs regularly among Wood Ducks in the southern United States. Older birds may be more likely to renest, possibly because they begin nesting earlier and are in better condition. Good wetland conditions and favorable weather result in more renesting and longer nesting seasons.

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