Do normal mallard ducklings dive down???

[xxalykxx]

Recently, I saw a bunch of mallard-looking ducklings diving about 2 to 3 feet under the water, staying submerged for almost three seconds. It is the first time I have ever seen malllards or any breed of newborn ducklings dive down that far or staying under that long. They were only about 2 1/2, some being close to 3-4 inches long, very teeny!
SOOOOO cute!

 

[barnwife]

yup, some do, especially if they are wild. Mine do a bit at times...except the ones that don't like to swim....

 

[goosedragon]

Yes they dive, it is usually the best place to hide.

 

[hippichick]

We just recently got baby Mallards, and they do the same thing. The first time they did, I thought they drowned.

I had no idea they could stay under water for that long.

Paula

 

[xfilesnumber1fan]

Boy do they my mallards are big time divers...Even my 3 week old babies..The first thing they do when I put them in the tub is go diving....I need some fish

 

[Shanay235]

In the wild, to escape predators, ducklings will dive, grasp hold of a piece of a plant and hold on so they don't float back up. I don't know how long they can stay submerged like this but it works.