When do female ducks typically begin their mid-summer molt?

Female ducks typically begin their mid-summer molt after brood-rearing because this timing maximizes their chances of successful feather regrowth when they are not actively nurturing young. Following the stresses of nesting and raising ducklings, the molting process allows them to shed old feathers and grow new ones, which is essential for maintaining flight ability and overall health.

Timing the molt after brood-rearing is advantageous as it reduces exposure to predators and minimizes the energy demands associated with foraging and caring for young. During this period, females can focus on their own needs and regenerate their plumage, which is vital for their survival, especially as they prepare for migration in the fall.

Conversely, initiating the molt before laying eggs or during egg incubation would significantly disrupt reproductive efforts, while molting during migration would hinder their ability to fly and navigate effectively. This makes the period after brood-rearing the ideal time for female ducks to undergo their mid-summer molt.