Mallard duck

Mallard duck - Anas platyrhynchos

Mallard ducks are well known across the UK. This species of bird, like many others, are sexually dimorphic. The males have an unmistakable plumage with a metallic green head, yellow bill, white collar, brown breast and grey belly which differs greatly from the rather drab brown speckled female. 

Mallards are often seen in pairs through autumn and winter as the male guards the female. The above picture was taken in early January. Come spring, the males leave the females, who begin to lay eggs and rear ducklings, and join with other males to begin their molting stage.

On a walk around the UEA lake I came across one such scenario - a lone female with a small clutch of six ducklings. Usually the clutch size is larger, up to 13 individuals, but seldom will they all survive. 

As I attempted to get some decent footage of the scene with my inadequate mobile phone a pair of dog walkers strolled by, completely unaffected by the sight of cheeping ducklings! I guess I too will become accustomed to the sight of chicks and ducklings as the spring ensues.