Good day everyone and welcome to the next instalment of Voiceforwildlife where today we are looking at a once common, feathered water feature found in duck ponds across the country - the Mallard.
The Mallard is a broad member of the duck family at around 60cm long with an overbearing wingspan of up to 100cm. The males appear with a striking emerald green head which projects a large, flat beak coated with an slick clementine-orange glaze. This green then extends down an elongated neck that is cut off from a sudden burst of brown plumage on the breast by a thin white collar. This then flows down towards the under belly into a milky-grey with the wings being separated by a black streak. Each wing feather is a collection of deep greys and lightly tinged purples topped off with a collection of wide, crisp white tail feathers. The females feathers are brought together to create an elegant pattern that extends across the entire body. The head is made from dozens of thin black and brown feathers much like the pattern of a zebra scaled down dramatically. A thin black line intercepts the eye extending onto a metallic silver beak. This head pattern slowly expands as it travels towards a speckled brown and white tail only interrupted by a reasonably large blue diamond, surrounded by a thinner layer of black then white lines of short, rounded feathers. Both birds are supported by two subtle orange legs tipped with 3 webbed toes.
Mallards will feed by churning up silt (dabbling) with their large beaks, happily feasting on underwater plant species, occasionally fish and, more commonly, molluscs. Often they will make regular trips into gardens if these food sources can be found - or you supply them with cereals or bread. They have also been seen feeding on acorns that have fallen onto the ground near a body of water, especially in parks. It is a common tradition to feed the ducks bread at the park, however this is not healthy for these birds and can result disability or even fatalities. Moreover left over bread allows harmful bacteria to grow and spread throughout the water, causing pollution and an increase in vermin. A safer substitute for bread is defrosted frozen peas, sweet corn or oats allowing the ducks a safe meal - and you the same enjoyment. Unlike many other species in the United Kingdom you will not have to venture far from your home (whether you live in rural or urban areas) to see these humble birds. They are found throughout the entire UK as long as there is a suitably large body of water and food source nearby.
The Mallards nests are situated by the side of a pond, lake or river in thick grass or reeds made out of an untidy concoction of straw, sticks and leaves. Breeding will begin at the beginning of March, with only 2 clutches being laid a year. They will lay an average of 12 eggs will be incubated for up to 30 days. Once the chicks have hatched, females will not let them venture out into the water until their feathers have matured - this is called precocial breeding. Therefore fledging will not occur until an astonishing 50 days later. Their population has declined slowly, giving them an Amber status with 710,000 birds wintering here and an estimate of around 100,000 breeding pairs (statistics given from the RSPB)
So, next time you see a meditating Mallard, floating effortlessly across a still lake remember to bring some healthy treats for them to enjoy through the long, cold days that cascade across the UK.
(No credit is taken for the photo)