Where does the black duck nest and breed?
Black ducks start forming pairs in fall and begin nesting in mid-March in secluded marshes and dense forested wetlands. Most black duck nests are located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore (from the Chester River to Crisfield) and Virginia’s James, Potomac, Rappahannock and York rivers. Female black ducks lay six to 12 white or greenish eggs, which hatch in 28 days. Young black ducks are ready to fly in about two months. Other facts about the black duck: • Black ducks are very closely related to mallards. • Black ducks were once abundant in the Bay, with more than 200,000 wintering in the region. Today, fewer than 50,000 visit the region each winter. Scientists believe this is due to loss of food and habitat, heavy hunting pressure and interbreeding with mallards.
