Being able to swim or walk as well as feed itself within hours of hatching is the definition of being a precocial bird. These sorts of hatchlings are so highly developed when they emerge from their egg that they can leave the nest right away to forage for their own food as they follow in the protection of their parents. Waterfowl young are great examples of this type of development. They hatch with their eyes open, have a covering of down feathers for warmth and immediately imprint on their parents as a guiding force for where to go next.
In contrast to the protection provided by the pair bonds of the larger geese and swan species, duck hatchlings have a more tenuous survival rate. Only the female raises the young so she is taxed with keeping them sheltered and protected from predators as best as can be.
Nesting-cavity ducklings like Wood Ducks and Hooded Mergansers have to be able to crawl out of their nest box and drop down to the ground within 24 hours after hatching.
The most successful fledge I have ever seen was this female Wood Duck’s brood of 12 ducklings that survived to a significant size that probably guaranteed they were on their way to becoming adults.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.