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Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

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45.016, -93.1383

Field Notes

Description:

These ducks are widely distributed North America. The male (shown) have an iridescent green head, white ring on the neck, reddish brown breast, red/orange legs and yellow bill. Underparts are light colored. Tail is predominately black. The female is covered in streaked brown feathers, with a mottled bill

Habitat:

Wetlands, lakes and streams and wooded swamps.

Notes:

Ever wonder where all the males go in mid-summer? They are still around but enter a molt phase called "eclipse plumage" that looks very similar to the feather pattern of the females. By autumn, they have once again become the familiar "greenhead."

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Comments (1)

Pretty shot! good information!
Photographed
PublishedApril 30, 2011

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