duckDNA Results

Applicants and Participants

Since fall 2023, we received over 7,700 applications, selected 1,059 participants, and analyzed 1,881 samples. We continue to explore ways to increase the number of participants enrolled and samples received, so stay tuned for project improvements.

We are thrilled and humbled by the dedication shown by our participants. Thank you for continuing to inspire us! Now, let’s see what you helped us accomplish.

Harvest Locations of Submitted Samples

Participants and Samples by Flyway (All Years)
	Participants	Samples
Pacific	115	280
Central	106	301
Mississippi	190	782
Atlantic	129	369
Unreported	54	149
Total	594	1,881

Scientific Insights

• Evidence of 3-species hybrids and numerous second- and third-generation hybrids confirm that some hybrids can reproduce. For example, we discovered a Northern Shoveler × Blue-winged Teal × Cinnamon Teal hybrid that resulted from the mating of a Northern Shoveler hen and a Blue-winged Teal × Cinnamon Teal hybrid drake.
• We genetically verified three state records, including the first documented Mexican Duck in Idaho, first Mexican Duck in Arkansas, and first Baikal Teal in Nevada. However, we were unable to confirm whether the Baikal Teal was wild or escaped from captivity.
• We discovered that American Black Duck × Mallard hybrids are more widespread than previously thought. Most first-generation hybrids were harvested in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways, while Black Duck x Mallard hybrids harvested in the Central and Pacific Flyways were second- or third-generation offspring. This likely resulted from the westward dispersal of first-generation hybrids that then backcrossed with wild Mallards.
• We identified the first genetically verified 100% wild, leucistic American Black Duck.

Hybrid Combinations

A unique feature of duckDNA is its ability to confirm the genetic ancestry of hybrid offspring. Across all 1,881 samples, including those submitted for hybrid testing, we documented 37 different taxonomic hybrid combinations, of which 15 involved game-farm Mallard ancestry.

Taxonomic Hybrids Identified through duckDNA¹

Game-Farm Mallard Ancestry

The presence of game-farm Mallard genes in wild Mallard populations is an emerging conservation concern, as research suggests that Mallards with game-farm ancestry are poorly adapted to natural habitats. Through duckDNA, we are assessing the prevalence of game-farm Mallard genes across the U.S. by analyzing the genetic make-up of harvested Mallards and Mallard-like ducks (American Black Ducks, Mottled Ducks, Mexican Ducks). Data from our first two years corroborates earlier studies showing the highest prevalence in the Atlantic Flyway, although prevalence in the Pacific Flyway was greater than expected and bears monitoring.

Of 1,232 Mallard samples submitted during our first two years, 337 (27%) contained game-farm Mallard ancestry

Ancestry of Harvested Mallard-like Ducks

Percentages calculated across all samples containing whole or partial ancestry of a given Mallard-like species¹

• Of 284 American Black Duck samples, 40 (14%) contained game-farm Mallard ancestry.
• Of 56 Mottled Duck samples, 18 (32%) contained game-farm Mallard ancestry.
  • Of 28 Western Gulf Coast Mottled Duck samples, 6 (21%) contained game-farm Mallard ancestry.
  • Of 28 Florida Mottled Duck samples, 12 (43%) contained game-farm Mallard ancestry while none registered as pure Florida Mottled Ducks.
• Of 37 Mexican Duck samples, only 2 (5%) contained game-farm Mallard ancestry.