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Description: | The call of the mallard, recorded on Brownsea Island, Dorset. The Mallard is a well-known resident of inland lakes, ponds and slow-moving rivers. It is our largest and most numerous inland duck. In parks and suburban areas it is unafraid of encounters with humans. In the countryside, however, it is far more wary and elusive, due partly to the activities of wildfowlers. The drake displays bold plumage, consisting of a maroon breast, glossy green head with white 'collar' and black tail feathers. In contrast the female possesses modest brown feathers, although bright blue-violet patches are found on her wings. The Mallard is known as a 'dabbling' duck, that is, it skims its beak over the surface of the water, feeding on fragments of plant and animal material. The diet is varied and consists of insects, weeds, grass and seeds. Berries, acorns and shellfish are also a source of nutrition. The drake is not known for his fidelity although he does play a protective role with the female while she tends to her clutch of ten to twelve greyish-green eggs. The nest is often placed high in a waterside tree or anywhere that is well concealed from harm. The female utters the characteristic 'quack' call; the drake gives out an occasional, hoarse 'raarb' sound. | License: | http://www.bl.uk/services/copy/permission.html | Rights holder: | British Library | Subjects: | Bird Wildlife sounds Freshwater | Source: | Collect Britain | Creator: | Shove, Lawrence | Identifier: | http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personal... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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