Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
Duck family (Anatidae)
Medium-sized duck, 3 foot wingspan. Male has an iridescent dark green head, yellow bill, chestnut breast. Female is brown with an orange bill and whitish tail feathers.
Habitat:
Lakes, rivers, ponds.
Nesting:
Nest placed on ground near water. Eggs are pale greenish white. Clutch size – 6 to 11 eggs. Chicks are precocial, downy, leave nest within 24 hours after hatching, fly 8 to 10 weeks after hatching.
Voice:
Male does not quack; gives rasping “rhaeb rhaeb” call during aggression. Female gives familiar quacking call.
Name Origin:
The genus name Anas is from the Latin for "duck." The species name platyrhynchos is from the Greek for "broad bill."
In the Nature Park:
Year-round resident.
Photos:
Mallard female (left) and male (right)
