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MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos)

©Nigel Key Mallards (Slimbridge April 2011)

The Mallard or Wild Duck is a dabbling duck which belongs to the Anatidae family.

Mallards frequently interbreed with other members of the Anas genus such as the American Black Duck and also more distantly related species such as the Northern Pintail.

The name Mallard was derived from the french word malart which means 'Wild Drake'.

   Hear the Mallard's Call:-
Conservation Status


Size
550mm to 620mm (22" to 24")

Appearance - Male
A metallic Green head and neck with a Purple-Brown breast which is seperated by a White ring. Its back is a light Grey with the underbelly being a lighter Grey. The tail is White with curling Black feathers. Its wings are Brownish-Grey with Purple-Blue between Black and White bars on each side. The bill is a Greenish Yellow and the feet are Orange.

Appearance - Female
The female plumage is not unlike other ducks being a mottled Brown. They have a pale eyebrow with a dark stripe across the eye. The wings also have Purple-Blue between Black and White bars on each side. The bill is Olive-Brown with Yellow-Orange towards the edges. The feet are Orange.

Habitat
Wetlands, Parks, Rivers, and Ponds. Widespread in northern hemisphere and also found in Australasia.

Diet
Mainly Aquatic Vegetation, also occasional Aquatic Insects and Tadpoles etc.

Breeding Time
April to June

Nest
Mallards often conceal their nest in undergrowth made from grasses and leaves. The nest is lined with down and is built by the female.

Eggs
Quantity: 10 to 12
Average size: 66m x 48mm Colour: Geenish-White.


Courtesy AviBirds.com








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PHOTOGRAPHS

Mallard (WWT Slimbridge May 2017) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge November 2017) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge April 2018) - pic by Nigel Key
26/05/17 30/11/17 20/04/18
Mallard (WWT Slimbridge November 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge May 2014) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge April 2015) - pic by Nigel Key
23/11/13 17/05/14 09/04/15
Mallard (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge September 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge September 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
26/07/13 04/09/13 04/09/13
Mallard (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge July 2013) - pic by Nigel Key
06/07/13 26/07/13 26/07/13
Mallard (WWT Slimbridge April 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge April 2011) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge April 2011) - pic by Nigel Key
09/04/11 09/04/11 09/04/11
Mallard (WWT Slimbridge August 2010) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge September 2010) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge September 2010) - pic by Nigel Key
22/08/10 09/09/10 09/09/10
Mallard (WWT Slimbridge March 2009) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge June 2010) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge August 2010) - pic by Nigel Key
24/03/09 04/06/10 22/08/10
Mallard (WWT Slimbridge March 2009) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge March 2009) - pic by Nigel Key Mallard (WWT Slimbridge March 2009) - pic by Nigel Key
24/03/09 24/03/09 24/03/09
Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key
Click for larger image


Related Links:-


American Black Duck - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Northern Pintail - www.slim-bridge.co.uk

Dabbling Ducks - www.slim-bridge.co.uk


You can help to protect wetland habitats in the UK and around the World by becoming a member of the WWT, visit official WWT site for details.





LOCATION

Mallard
Breeding Habitat - Northern Hemisphere
The Northern Hemisphere excluding Arctic regions of Canada, Alaska, Greenland or Northern Siberia. They also breed in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.
Winter Habitat or Migration Area
Mallards migrate South almost as far as the Tropic of Cancer and almost to Northern Sudan in Africa.


WWT Slimbridge Location - Mallard
Swan Lake - WWTSlimbridge
© Nigel Key Swan Lake (WWT Slimbridge September 2012)

The Mallard is generally seen all round Slimbridge.
WWT Slimbridge Map


WWT Slimbridge Wildfowl (Listed Alphabetically)
A-B  | C-F  | G-L  | M-R  | S-Z
Wildfowl M to R
Maccoa Duck
Madagascar Teal
Magpie Goose
Magellan Goose
Mallard
Mandarin
Marbled Teal
Moorhen
Muscovy Duck
Mute Swan
Northern Pintail
Northern Shoveler
Orinoco Goose
Pacific Black Duck
Patagonian Crested Duck
Philippine Duck
Pink-Eared Duck
Pink-Footed Goose
Plumed Whistling Duck
Pochard
Puna Teal
Radjah Shelduck
Red-Billed Teal
Red-Breasted Goose
Red-Crowned Crane
Red-Crested Pochard
Redhead
Red Shoveler
Ring-Necked Duck
Ringed Teal
Ross's Goose
Rosybill
Ruddy Duck
Ruddy-Headed Goose
Ruddy Shelduck