SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 31 -- The California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued the following press release:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has completed its 2026 waterfowl breeding population survey. Data indicates that mallards, the most abundant duck species in the survey, nearly maintained their 2025 population estimate.
The breeding population of mallards is estimated at 267,101, a 1% decrease from 2025. Total ducks (all species combined) decreased from 482,358 to 435,937 (a 10% decrease). Mallards remain below the long-term average by 18%.
"Abundant April rains combined with carryover water from 2025 allowed favorable habitat conditions for nesting ducks. Average production is expected for most duck spec...