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stones to be ground up in the Gizzard' or stomach chamber, in a safe place at a safer time.
This is probably an evolutionary adaptation, which allows the bird to continue feeding and has probably helped to ensure the propagation of the species, as they would otherwise be susceptible to predators whilst chewing.

Nesting and Breeding

Females have adapted to delay their moults later than males and therefore reach peak condition for breeding in February (Holden & Cleeves, 2002).

After breeding has taken place, adults will nest in March (amongst earliest of all wildfowl species), creating a bed of nettles or other vegetation mixed with down and feathers.
Occasionally Mallards will even nest in the hollows of waterside trees such as Alders (Alnus spp.) or pollarded willows (Salix species) where upon the young dives from the tree hole after hatching.

Approaching the breeding season Males will gain excess weight to defend their territory and mate, whilst females increase their body weight by eating protein rich insects (Burton, 1981).

The female will incubate a clutch of either greenish/grey to greenish/beige or pale blue eggs, for 28 days. Upon hatching, ducklings are covered in the familiar yellow and brown downy feathers.

Although the average life expectancy of the species is 5-10 years in the wild, records have shown that some individuals can live for as long as 29 years! (Owen & Black, 1990).

Relationship to Man and Conservation Strategies

Mallards form part of a complex web of food chains and ecological interactions otherwise known as an ecosystem. Their dual role as a consumer of primary producers (plant matter) and prey item for secondary and tertiary consumers (predators such as foxes, mink and other mustelids) is a key part in the healthy functioning of aquatic habitats in particular.

It is thought that around 11 million ducks are killed in Europe every year, due to hunting, poisoning from lead-shot, agricultural run-off entering water bodies where the birds feed and fishing inadvertently killing Mallards directly (Holden and Cleeves, 2002).

According to Sutherland and Hill (2000), the best habitat for breeding Mallards can be achieved by retaining a 50cm (1 and half feet) perimeter of reed or plant growth around the shoreline, which will minimize predation, provide a ready supply of food and a nest site in early spring. In addition an area set aside for permanent flooding will encourage the growth of water tolerant species such as Sedge and Rushes, which the birds will use for feeding while close to the nest.

Sources:

Burton, P. J. K. (1981) Readers Digest Field Guide to the Birds of Britain.

Burton, R. (2007). British Wildlife Journal. Volume 18, Number 5, June 2007.

Holden, P & Cleeves, T. (2002). RSPB Handbook of British Birds.

Mullarney et al. (1999). Collins Bird Guide.

Owen & Black. (1990). Waterfowl Ecology.

Sutherland & Hill (2000). Managing Habitats for Conservation.

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