Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
Pato Real
Song
Mallard Duck
The Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos). Read in Spanish
Appearance: The Mallard is a large and long-bodied duck that is the ancestor of almost all breeds of domestic ducks except the muscovy duck (Cairina moschata). It weighs up to 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) and measures 50-65 cm (20-28 in).
Male has an iridescent glossy dark green head and neck with a narrow white collar. It has a reddish-brown chest, a bright yellow bill, a visible purple-blue wing patch on the flight feathers (speculum) bordered by two white stripes. Gray flanks, short yellow-orange legs and webbed feet. Its tail is black and curled up. The tongue pumps water through the keratinous plates called lamellae that are lined in the bill to sieve food. They may lack the white neck ring, show white on the chest, be all dark, or show oddly shaped crests on the head. Marked sexual dimorphism as the female is mottled brown and has an orange bill marked with black. The female looks as if it belongs to a different species.
Habitat: It inhabits shallow water environment such as lakes, marshes and ponds where it remains as a social resident up to altitudes of 2600 m. Feeds omnivorously on insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and earthworms when breeding, otherwise largely vegetarian. These birds have a renown quacking call.
Breeding: Mating is rather a violent event as with several males chase a single female and then mate with her. The posture consists of 6 to 15 eggs sometimes with a weight equivalent to almost half of its corporal weight. Can live up to 29 years.
Conservation: the Mallard is listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distribution
The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), including relevant information specific to the Mallard population in Colombia:
Appearance: Mallards are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females exhibit distinct differences in their appearance.
Male Mallard: The male Mallard has a vibrant and recognizable plumage. Their head is glossy green with a white neck ring. They have a chestnut-colored breast, grayish body, and a curled black central tail feather. The bill is yellow or greenish-yellow. This striking coloration makes the male Mallard easily identifiable. Female Mallards have a more understated and mottled brown plumage for effective camouflage during nesting. They have a relatively plain appearance compared to the colorful males. Female Mallards have a streaked brown body, a darker bill, and a pale-colored face.
Size: Mallards are medium-sized ducks, with males being slightly larger than females. On average, Mallards measure about 20-26 inches (51-65 cm) in length from bill to tail and have a wingspan of 32-39 inches (81-99 cm).
Habitat: Mallards are adaptable birds that can be found in a wide range of habitats in Colombia. They are often seen in ponds, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and even urban parks with suitable water bodies. Mallards are known to utilize a variety of aquatic environments, including both freshwater and brackish water habitats.
Behavior: Mallards are dabbling ducks, primarily feeding by tipping their heads underwater to reach aquatic vegetation, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. They have a flexible diet that can adapt to available food sources in their habitat.
Distribution: Mallards are introduced non-native species in Colombia. Their presence in the country is the result of deliberate or accidental introductions by humans. While not native to Colombia, Mallards have established populations in certain regions, primarily in areas with suitable wetland habitats.
Conservation Status: In Colombia, the Mallard is not considered a native or endemic species; therefore, it does not have a specific conservation status within the country.
The Mallard is a species of duck found in Colombia, primarily as an introduced, non-native species. They exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism, with males displaying vibrant plumage and females having a more mottled brown appearance. Mallards are adaptable birds that can be found in various wetland habitats throughout the country..
Taxonomy
The mallard duck, Anas platyrhynchos, belongs to the class Aves, the order Anseriformes, and the family Anatidae.
- Kingdom: Animalia (animals)
- Phylum: Chordata (vertebrates)
- Class: Aves (birds)
- Order: Anseriformes (waterfowl)
- Family: Anatidae (ducks, geese, and swans)
- Genus: Anas
- Species: Anas platyrhynchos
The mallard duck is one of the most widespread and recognized types of ducks. It is characterized by its colorful plumage, with the males possessing a glossy green head, chestnut-brown chest, gray body, and a distinctive curled black tail feather. The female mallards have a mottled brown appearance, providing camouflage for nesting and rearing young.
Mallards are known for their adaptability to various habitats, including wetlands, rivers, ponds, and even urban areas. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, and grains, but they may also consume small invertebrates when available.
The mallard duck plays an important role in various ecosystems and is also a popular game species for hunters. Its ability to hybridize with other species of ducks has led to a wide range of plumage variations and genetic diversity within the mallard population.
Vocalization
The mallard duck has a range of vocalizations used for communication. Here are some common vocalizations of mallard ducks:
- Quack: The mallard's quack is a classic sound associated with ducks. It is most commonly associated with female mallards and is used as a contact call. The quack is a distinctive, nasal, and short sound that is often repeated in quick succession.
- Chuckle: Male mallards produce a soft chuckling sound, particularly during courtship displays. It is a low-pitched, rapid, and repetitive vocalization. Males use this sound to attract females and establish their presence.
- Whistle: Mallards can produce a whistle-like call, especially when they are in flight. This sound is a high-pitched, clear note that can vary in duration and intensity. It is often heard when groups of mallards take off or land.
- Grunt: When mallards are alarmed or threatened, they may emit a grunt-like sound. This vocalization is a quick, low-pitched note that serves as an alarm call. It alerts other mallards to potential danger and is often accompanied by quick movements or flight.
The vocalizations of mallard ducks can vary among individuals, and their repertoire of calls can be influenced by various factors such as age, sex, and context. These vocalizations play a crucial role in basic communication, mate attraction, and maintaining group cohesion within mallard populations.
