Florida mottled ducks (Anas fulvigula) are year-round residents of Panther Island. They are non-migratory (one of the few in North America) and are closely related to mallard ducks. Interbreeding between these two species does occur and is a worry for the future of the Florida mottled duck.
These birds nest in Florida from February through July. Nests are usually located in dense vegetation such as grasses, saw palmetto, or rushes) situated near water. Clutch size is typically 8-10 eggs with only 1 brood in a year. Incubation last for 24-27 days. Once hatched, the female will actually move the ducklings to the water within 24-48 hours! And the young can fly at 60 to 70 days old.
Their diet consists of grass seeds, stems, and roots along with other marsh plants. They also like bayberries and will consume crayfish, small fish, mollusks, and insects. They can be found in a variety of wetland habitats as well as upland habitats associated with wet areas like ponds, ditches, canals, etc.
While the population appears stable, loss of habitat due to development and agriculture has raised concerns, especially coupled with the hybridization problem (breeding with mallards). For more information about the hybridization problem and what you can do to help please go to: http://myfwc.org/wildlifehabitats/managed/waterfowl/hybridization/.
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