segunda-feira, março 13, 2006

Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos (Pato Real)
.
The mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It has a long body and a long and broad bill. The male has a dark green head, a yellow bill, is mainly purple-brown on the breast and grey on the body. The female is mainly brown with an orange bill. It breeds in all parts of the UK in summer and winter, wherever there are suitable wetland habitats, although it is scarcer in upland areas. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants – many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here.
.
.
Where does it live?
.
Breeding
Found in large and small lakes and slow-flowing rivers, including park lakes, reservoirs, small pools and coastal marshes.
.
Wintering
Flocks found on large water bodies and the sea.
Passage
As breeding and wintering
.
.
Where to see it?
It is the commonest duck and most widespread so you have a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat, even in urban areas.
.
.
What does it eat?
Seeds, acorns and berries, plants, insects and shellfish.
.
.
What does it sound like?
The female has a variety of calls including the familiar ‘quack’ which is often repeated many times. The male makes a quieter, low, ‘crrib’.
.
.
When to see it?
All year round.

Sem comentários: