MALLARD DUCK
PR

Show a hundred persons a male mallard duck and a strong possibility exists that ninety-five of them will correctly name it. It is a showy bird, dressed in a coat that accentuates a chestnut-colored breast separated from the green head and neck by a necklace as white as snow. Add chevrons of purple and white on the wings and there is little wonder that few people fail to recognize this bird.

The mallard is easily domesticated and in the security of a barnyard is noisy; but in the wilds, it becomes wary, suspicious and strong. Hunters pursue it for the excellent quality of its flesh but after a week of hunting season, it is difficult to lure the decoys.

There is little wonder that mallards are the most plentiful species in a large family because they take advantage of every small pond, pool or lake to nest around to raise their young. The nest, constructed of feathers and dead vegetation, is usually built on the ground. Up to thirteen eggs may be laid. The female takes entire responsibility for raising the baby ducklings which are covered with lemon yellow down that very soon turns to feathers. Unfortunately, many young birds are taken by turtles, snakes, fish and other predators.

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