Clutches are usually large, 4-16 eggs in Canadian species. Downy young are active at hatching, swimming within hours. Females guard and brood ducklings but do not feed them.
After a winter spent feeding in the warmer southern areas, the mallards return north to breed and nest. Hens typically nest in the cover of the native grasses in the upland areas around wetlands. This usually takes place throughout April and May. Late in May, the first ducklings begin to appear.
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