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Flying Mallard Ducks |
Flying Mallard Ducks Wisconsin
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Flying Mallard Ducks Wisconsin |
 Adult Mallard Pair |
The Flying Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the most common wild duck worldwide. The Mallard is most prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere but they are also present in Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South America and other Southern Hemisphere areas. They are strong migratory birds that can travel a great distance from their breeding place. Most fly South to warmer climate zones for the winter months and North in the summer months for the breeding season. The Mallard genetics are also prevalent in many other wild duck species which would lead one to believe that many other wild species have developed off of the Mallards. It is believed and has been genetically proven through DNA testing that the Mallard is ancestor to most domestic duck breeds. They are genetically compatible to hybridize with most other duck species and breeds and in some parts of the world are viewed as an unwanted feral species that is hybridizing and threatening the existence of their other native duck species. Captive bred Flying Mallards do possess the strong migratory instincts and will fly away in the fall if they are not pinioned or kept in an enclosure with a top net. |
 Mallard Duckling
Juvenile Mallard Ducklings
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