*Oology is a branch of ornithology studying bird eggs, nests and breeding behaviour. The word is derived from the Greek oion, meaning egg.

42. Mallard

This part of the Stanislaus Audubon Website is focused on 44 common Central Valley nesting species with background about their nesting habits. Please check the Great Valley Museum Central Valley Egg Collection starting page for links to all the featured species.

MALLARD NESTING INFORMATION (From birdsoftheworld.org)

Nests - Mallards primarily nest on the ground. In urban areas, mallards often nest in flower beds, along roadsides, and even on roof tops. The nest is usually a shallow bowl shape made from grass and lined with down feathers.
Eggs - Elliptical to subelliptical or blunt oval. Varies from creamy to grayish or greenish buff; no markings. Clutch size usually 13 eggs.
Incubation - The female independently incubates the eggs, while the male will leave to congregate with other males.
Fledging - once hatched, broods may travel long distances between the nest and wetlands. Within a day of hatching, the chicks will swim with parents.

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