Mallard ducks

[The Seeker]

Ahhh, it's that time of year again, when spring has sprung and the birds are getting all romantic.

Does anybody know why there always seems to be one duck to two, rather attentive, drakes? I'm assuming that one is the duck's partner and the other acts as a sentry. Or the second one could be there to act as foster father if something happens.

I live by a canal and I see this behaviour every year, so if anyone could shed some light on this, I'd like to know.

[Thunderbird+]

This behaviour at this time of the year can be a bit of a distressing spectical, gang rape (if we can call it that) is very common among mallards. they make bad mothers to and will often abandon their young at the drop of a hat.

[The Seeker]

I know what you mean, about the 'gang rape' thing, but the mallards I see seem to be content and are often sleeping or just walking round. Two drakes and one duck in harmony.

[Thunderbird+]

Yes come to think of it, I have on occaisions seen 2 drakes with 1 duck, I considered that one of the drakes may be a tollerated rival or subordinate but as you say maybe one acts as a sentry or kind of god father.

[Steelie2006]

Greediness, if you ask me.