Le Canard Colvert dans le Lac Saint-Pierre

The Mallard Duck

The Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

The mallard is one of the most widespread and easily recognizable duck species thanks to its distinctive plumage between males and females. Its presence in diverse aquatic environments, from natural ponds to urban water bodies, makes it a valuable indicator of the health of wetland ecosystems.

Sexual dimorphism

Males: Males, called mallards, have very colorful plumage with a bright green head, a white collar, a brown breast, and a gray body. The wings display a blue-purple iridescence.
Females: Females have mottled brown plumage which provides excellent camouflage during nesting.

Size and wingspan

Size: The Mallard Duck generally measures between 50 and 65 cm in length.
Wingspan: The wingspan varies from 81 to 98 cm, allowing good maneuverability in flight.
Weight: Weight is moderate and varies depending on individuals and seasons.

Beak and legs

Beak: The beak is broad and flattened, characteristic of surface ducks, with an orange-yellow coloration and sometimes a black tip, facilitating surface feeding.
Legs: The feet are webbed and orange in color, essential for swimming and locomotion on water.

Social behavior

Mallards are sociable birds that are often found in large flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
They may mix with other duck species, forming flocks when searching for food and resting.

Voice

Male mallards emit a characteristic raspy call, while females produce softer clucks, particularly to communicate with their ducklings.

Breeding Habitat

Natural Ponds and Lakes: The Mallard frequents calm bodies of water where it can feed and rest in groups.
Wetlands and Marshes: These environments offer an abundance of vegetation for camouflage and nesting.

migration habitat

Waterways and Reservoirs: During migration, it exploits various aquatic environments, favoring stopovers rich in food.
Urban Sites and Parks: Its great adaptability also allows it to be installed on artificial bodies of water in urban environments.

wintering habitat

Inland Waterways: In winter, it heads for areas where water remains accessible and free of ice, ensuring a continuous supply.
Moderate Climate Lakes and Rivers: These environments offer a diversity of food resources, supporting wintering populations.

habitat features

Calm and Shallow Waters: These conditions make it easier to find food on the surface.
Abundant Vegetation: The presence of aquatic plants and grassy banks provides excellent camouflage and protection for nesting.
Prey Accessibility: The diversity and availability of food resources are essential to the survival of the species.

Adaptation to the Habitat

The contrasting plumage of males facilitates mate attraction during breeding, while the camouflage of females protects the nest.
Webbed feet and a flattened beak are key adaptations for efficient aquatic life.
Its ability to exploit a wide range of habitats, from natural to urban, is a testament to its great adaptability and evolutionary success.

Les oiseaux du lac st-pierre

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