Ducks are a frequent target within the food web, facing threats from a diverse array of predators across their entire lifespan. Predation pressure is a consistent reality for these waterfowl, operating across aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial environments. Ducks have developed survival strategies to contend with these challenges.
Threats to Eggs and Ducklings
The nesting and immediate post-hatch periods represent the highest risk for ducks. Nests, frequently built on the ground in dense vegetation near water, are highly susceptible to opportunistic terrestrial raiders. Mammals such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, and foxes are common nest predators, using their keen sense of smell to locate the clutch.
These ground-level nests are also targeted by avian predators like crows and ravens, which will seize eggs or newly hatched ducklings. Snakes, including gopher snakes, are known to raid nests and consume ducklings. The lack of mobility and small size of the young make them easy targets.
Once the hen leads her brood to water, the threat shifts to aquatic hunters, as ducklings are unable to fly for approximately 50 to 70 days. Large predatory fish, such as northern pike and largemouth bass, ambush the young from below the surface. Snapping turtles are effective predators, striking quickly to capture unsuspecting ducklings. Small, swift mammals like mink and weasels patrol the shorelines, posing a constant danger to the brood.
Predators Targeting Adult Ducks
Adult ducks are more robust and mobile than their young, but they still face threats from predators that possess greater strength or specialized hunting skills. Aerial hunters present a danger, with species like Bald Eagles and large hawks capable of seizing adult waterfowl. The Peregrine Falcon often targets ducks in mid-flight.
Terrestrial predators typically hunt on the ground, especially when ducks are resting or molting and temporarily unable to fly. Coyotes and foxes are persistent hunters that use stealth and speed to ambush ducks on land or near the water’s edge. Powerful aquatic predators like alligators and crocodiles capture adult ducks from the water with a sudden strike. Otters, which are strong swimmers, can also prey on adult ducks.
Behavioral and Physical Defenses
Ducks employ passive and active strategies to minimize their risk of predation. The female’s mottled brown and tan plumage provides excellent camouflage while incubating eggs on the nest. This secretive nesting behavior is complemented by the mother’s distraction display, where she feigns a broken wing or injury to draw a predator away from the nest site.
In the water, the duck’s physical structure and capabilities become primary defenses. Diving ducks use their agility underwater to escape aerial threats, submerging themselves to evade a raptor’s stoop. All ducks have specialized feathers coated in oil from the preen gland, which makes their plumage highly waterproof. Adult ducks rely on rapid, powerful flight for escape, and often form large flocks to benefit from the increased vigilance of the group.