duckDNA Results

Applicants and Participants

Since fall 2023, we received over 12,300 applications, selected 2,509 participants, and analyzed 3,233 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	211	501
Central	220	548
Mississippi	346	1,179
Atlantic	217	712
Unreported	146	293
Total	1,140	3,233

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 Ducks in Idaho and Arkansas.
• 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 American 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 3,233 samples, including those submitted for hybrid testing, we documented 49 different taxonomic hybrid combinations, of which 12 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 1,956 Mallard samples submitted during our first three years, 556 (28%) 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 378 American Black Duck samples, 49 (13%) contained game-farm Mallard ancestry.
• Of 63 Mottled Duck samples, 17 (27%) contained game-farm Mallard ancestry.
  • Of 34 Western Gulf Coast Mottled Duck samples, 6 (18%) contained game-farm Mallard ancestry.
  • Of 30 Florida Mottled Duck samples, 11 (37%) contained game-farm Mallard ancestry while none registered as pure Florida Mottled Ducks.
• Of 51 Mexican Duck samples, only 2 (4%) contained game-farm Mallard ancestry.