What do female ducks do with the brood while the male duck leaves to molt?

Female ducks often take on the primary responsibility of caring for the brood while the male leaves to molt. During this period, the male duck becomes flightless and is unable to assist in protecting or feeding the young. The female stays with the ducklings, guiding them to find food, protecting them from predators, and ensuring their survival during this vulnerable stage of life. This behavior underscores the role of the female in parental care, which is crucial for the development and success of the brood until they are independent enough to thrive on their own.

The idea that females abandon the brood or seek new mates during this time does not align with observed behaviors in most duck species, as the females usually remain committed to raising their young. Bringing the brood to new feeding grounds could happen but is not the defining feature of their behavior during this period, as their focus is primarily on nurturing and protecting the ducklings in the habitat where they were hatched.