by Anne StClair

Created on: April 23, 2008

The Mallard Duck may be the most common duck on Earth, occurring naturally across Asia, Europe and North America and introduced into many other parts of the world. They are also quite likely to be homosexual, with about 19% of pairs being male-male [1]. Homosexual necrophilia has also been observed in the Mallard [2].

The male Mallard is instantly recognizable by an iridescent green head and white neck band underneath during the breeding season. The rest of his body is grey, with a rusty brown chest. The female is a mottled brown all over except for purple-blue patches on her wings, matching those in the male. The legs are bright orange.

Mallard Ducks are the ancestors of virtually all domesticated duck species except the Muscovy Duck. They are also the ancestors of two ducks which are now different enough to be considered separate species: the Mexican Duck and the Hawaiian Duck.

Mallard Ducks are dabbling ducks, which means they tend to float on the water, dipping their heads underneath, or upending to "dabble" for plants, amphibians, frogs, fish and they are especially fond of mosquito larvae. They also feed on land, grazing on grasses, grains, seeds, and other vegetation. All dabbling ducks walk and run well on land.

The Mallard Duck loves calm shallow water, and can be found on almost any body of fresh, brackish or even salt water. They are particularly fond of wetlands because of the abundant vegetation and the shallow water. In Northern areas where the water bodies ice up in winter, the Mallard migrates to warmer areas and unfrozen ponds.

The Mallard selects a mate in autumn but does not breed until March-April. While the pair are monogamous, forced matings do occur, often with several males pursuing a female. The pair make a nest on the ground or protected cavity near the water and line it with duck down. The female lays about 12 eggs and does all the incubation. She also raises the ducklings herself after they hatch about 25 days after being laid. After mating, the male loses his colourful feathers and loses the ability to fly for a few weeks.

As soon as the ducklings are dry from hatching, their mother takes them to the water, stopping often to check her brood is safe and none have become lost or trapped in the grass. If a predator threatens, she pretends to be injured and squawks and flaps around to distract it and allow the ducklings to escape. On the water, she takes them to the feeding grounds, where they begin to feed themselves on insects and tiny plants.

Mallard Ducks are the most numerous type of duck in North America, despite being the commonest victims of duck shooting. Threats other than duck hunting include inter-breeding with other duck species, drought, pollution, habitat loss, and drainage of wetlands. Their high rate of homosexuality may also be a threat.

References:
[1] Bruce Bagemihl, 1999 Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity.

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_necrophilia_ in_the_mallard_duck#Necrophilia

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