Mallards are large, striking looking ducks from the northern hemisphere that were introduced to Australia during the mid 1850s. Their numbers increased dramatically during the mid 1900s and are continuing to increase.
Northern Mallard – male
Male mallards are unmistakable with their iridescent dark green heads, orange legs, curled tails and yellow bills with black tips. They have a white collar separating their heads from their chestnut-brown breasts and greyish backs. The bird above has such a beady little eye that seems to be set quite high on its head.
They are about 60cm in length and weigh 1.5kg. As dabbling ducks they forage on aquatic vegetation that they often reach by upending themselves in shallow waters; they supplement greenery with occasional insects.
Northern Mallard – female
Female mallards are more subtly coloured but their distinctive bills with a dark central patch and their orange legs distinguish them from Pacific Black Ducks. I was puzzled by the dark green feathers on the head of the bird above and wondered initially if it was a young male or a hybrid. Mallards and black ducks are related species and can interbred creating odd-looking, pale blackies that generally have orange legs.
Happy birding, Kim
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