Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is a widely recognized duck species, celebrated for its striking plumage and adaptability to various habitats. Found commonly in parks and wetlands, this species is known for its seasonal migrations, moving southward during the colder months when northern waters freeze over.
| 🇫🇷 | Canard colvert |
| 🇩🇪 | Stockente |
| 🇲🇽 | Ánade real, Ánade azulón |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
How to Identify
The Mallard is the most prevalent duck species in the Montreal area. Males are easily recognizable by their distinctive green head and neck, which is accentuated by a white ring. Females, however, present a greater challenge in identification due to their resemblance to other species. A key distinguishing feature is the blue patch on their wings, bordered by white stripes, unlike the Black Duck.
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Characteristics
| Length | 50–65cm |
| Weight | 0.7–1.6kg |
| Wingspan | 81–98cm |
| Clutch Size | 8-13 eggs |
| Incubation | 23-30 days |
| Fledging | 50-60 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
Mallards are commonly observed in parks featuring lakes or slow-flowing rivers during the spring, summer, and autumn months. In winter, as the lakes and rivers freeze, these ducks migrate southward.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | x | x | x | - |
| Parc Angrignon | x | x | x | x |
| Parc Bernard-Landry | x | x | x | - |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | x | x |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | - |
| Parc de la Frayère | x | x | x | x |
| Parc des Rapides, Lachine | x | x | x | - |
| Parc Île-de-la-Visitation | x | - | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.