A little backstory before my questions. For reference, I‘m in Florida and have a small man made lake behind my condo. The complex has a variety of water birds, the largest number being Muscovy ducks. It’s hard to say exactly how many, but I’d say at least 20-25. They lay and hatch eggs all throughout the spring and summer, slightly in to the fall.

Around a week ago (6-8 days), I noticed a duck nesting in the building nearest the lake. This duck seemed slightly smaller than normal. A few days later, I saw a very small, very vibrant yellow duckling by itself on the lake. It was soon with the small mama duck at her nest, while she incubated five more eggs (picture attached).

This was three days ago. I saw the duckling a bit yesterday, but after checking a few times today, saw no sign of it, while the mother continues to incubate the remaining eggs.

I realize the duckling is likely gone, sadly, but I’m wondering how this happened. Is this seemingly smaller mom too young to lay eggs? Was the duckling born prematurely? Or are the remaining eggs just not viable? Maybe a little silly, I just got slightly invested in them over the last week.

Thanks in advance!