|
|
|
MALLARD DUCK
 |
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
MALLARD DUCK (ANAS PLATYRHYNCHOS)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), probably the best-known and most recognizable of all ducks, is a dabbling duck which breeds throughout the temperate and sub-tropical areas of North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, New Zealand (where it is currently the most common duck species), and Australia. It is strongly migratory in the northern parts of its breeding range, and winters farther south. For example, in North America it winters south to Mexico, but also regularly strays into Central America and the Caribbean between September and May.
The Mallard is 56–65 cm long, has a wingspan of 81–98 cm, and weighs 0.9–1.2 kg. The breeding male is unmistakable, with a green head, black rear end and a yellowish orange (can also contain some red) bill tipped with black (as opposed to the dark brown bill in females). The female Mallard is light brown, like most female dabbling ducks. However, both the female and male Mallards have distinct purple speculum edged with white, prominent in flight or at rest (though temporarily shedded during the annual summer molt).
Mallards form pairs only until the female lays eggs, at which time she is left by the male. The clutch is 8–13 eggs, which are incubated for 27–28 days to hatching with 50–60 days to fledgling. The ducklings are precocial, and can swim and feed themselves on insects as soon as they hatch, although they stay near the female for protection.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the ancestor of almost all of the varieties of domestic ducks. |
marianas, Argus, jmirah, goldyrs has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
| Discussions |
| None | | You must be logged in to start a discussion. |
|
Mrius
Ce calitate de exceptie are captura ta de azi!
Culori frumoase si clare!
Felicitari!
Mariana
- Argus
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3840 W: 190 N: 11430]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(35227) - [2009-10-20 12:40]
-
Hello Marius,
Though the Mallard is a common species, you have made a fine capture of this male in fine lighting to show his colours at their best, like a painting! The catchlight in the eye is superb.
The sharpness and calm water BG also contribute to make this a fine image.
Thanks and all the best,
Ivan
-
- joska
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 422 W: 0 N: 1041]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(5646) - [2009-10-20 20:11]
-
Foarte frumoase culori si detalii, o poza de tosmns, in penaj nuptial complet la aceasra rata mare!
-
- jmirah
(4665)
- [2009-10-21 4:05]
-
Hi Marius
Lovely capture of the male mallard...Sine colors and detail...TFS
Jim
An excellent shot of this Mallard, Marius!
Beautiful colours and sharp details!
Bravo!
Goldy
Hello Marius,
what a nice picture from this Mallard with good pov an dof.
fine natural colours.
Gert
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 180 W: 24 N: 467]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(2368)