I had a debate with a friend that turned in to a $20 bet. Do wild ducks mate with the same partner for life? My answer is no. Thank you

-- (don.mcfall@ilsonline.com), December 20, 2001

Answers

I think your bet will probably negate out. Every thing I have read or seen indicates the answer is yes, but under the 'till death do us part' concept. If a parner is lost, they don't stay widows or widowers very long.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), December 20, 2001.

No - they're not like geese. Go to www.google.com and do a search on "wild duck mating". You'll get a couple of answers in the first screen which support your answer.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), December 20, 2001.

I remember two wild Paradise Ducks that the resort hotel staff had named Donald and Elizabeth. When Donald got killed by a tourist bus Elizabeth spent about three days calling for him then she appeared with a much younger drake for company.

-- john hill (john@cnd.co.nz), December 20, 2001.

Wild ducks pair up for one season only. They start to form pair bonds about mid January or so, which is why the latest hunting seasons close about then. The ducks break up while on the breeding grounds during the summer, and will find a new partner the following winter. If one of the pair dies after they have paired off, the remaining duck will generally not search for a new partner until the following year.

Wild geese do mate for life, or until one of them dies. Their juvenile offspring will stay with them during the first year.

-- Steve - TX (steve.beckman@compaq.com), December 20, 2001.

You win!

-- Brad (homefixer@SacoRiver.net), December 20, 2001.