Mallard ducklings learning to fly

[belP]

Someone told me they'd seen male mallards, the drakes, teaching the young mallards to fly, possibly sometime in Sept or Oct. Is this possible or likely does anyone know? I thought the males pushed off after the eggs were laid and never had anything more to do with the upbringing. Also, I know the males moult in late summer - go into "eclipse" plumage and therefore I think they can't fly at this time. Can anyone help? Thanks.

[burnhal]

true about the non-flying during eclipse. Lasts about a month during sep to oct. As this is a perilous time the bright plumage is shed first and the drakes more or less resemble the ducks and can hide easier.

The duck tends to take the ducklings to water some ten hours or so after they hatch-may be some distance. She looks after them, defends them etc. She does not tolerate youngsters from other broods. They are ready to fly after some 50 odd days. As Mallards breed from March (or earlier!) to late August at least- this could be anytime from May onwards. I cannot envisage the drakes 'teaching' them to fly- they, as you say, push off!! I wouldnt say they were taught anyway- like most birds its something they do when the time arrives- possibly with a bit of encouragement but mostly self taught!

[belP]

Thanks very much, very helpful.