 A
mallard hen settles down on her nest of eight eggs. The hen has been sitting
on her nest for about five weeks. During that time, she has kept her eggs
warm, leaving the nest only to feed. She is on her own in caring for the
eggs. Her mate left shortly after they were laid. Now, the hen hears quiet
peeps from inside the eggs. This is called “pipping,” and it's
a sign that hatching is going to start soon. As each duckling hears the
others, it prepares to break out of its egg. In this way, pipping leads
to all the eggs hatching within hours of each other. |