Mallard
LIVING HABITS
The mallard breeds all over Finland. Mallards live close to various sizes of waterways, avoiding barren waters. They feed on green vegetation, seeds and insects and worms and water microbes. Mallards may nest far from the water, and mallards have been found nesting even in city centres.
PROTECTION
The mallard is a game bird. Annual quarry is about 250 000 individuals.
ADAPTING TO THE WINTER
Mallards breeding in Finland migrate to Central and South Europe for winter grounds. Some of the individuals remain close to the unfrozen city waters, to be fed by humans.
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
CLASS: Aves - birds
ORDER: Anseriformes - ducks
FAMILY: Anatidae - Mallards, geese and swans
SIZE: Weight: 1kg, wingspan: 80-100cm.
BREEDING: The female lays 7-11 in April-May, incubation period: 24-27 days and nights. Young ones reach sexual maturity in 1 year.
LIFESPAN: According to ringing data, the oldest Mallard has lived to 29 years of age.