Anas platyrhynchos
The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos, probably the
best-known and most recognizable of all ducks, is a dabbling duck which breeds
throughout the temperate and sub-tropical areas of North America, (where it is
currently the most common duck species). It is strongly migratory in the
northern parts of its breeding range, and winters farther south. For example, in
North America it winters south to Mexico, between September and May.
The Mallard is 56–65 cm long, has a wingspan of 81–98 cm, and
weighs 0.9–1.2 kg. The breeding male is unmistakable, with a green head,
black rear end and a yellowish orange (can also contain some red) bill tipped
with black (as opposed to the dark brown bill in females). The female Mallard is
light brown, like most female dabbling ducks. However, both the female and male
Mallards have distinct purple speculum edged with white, prominent in flight or
at rest (though temporarily shedded during the annual summer molt). In
non-breeding (eclipse) plumage the drake becomes drab, looking more like the
female, but still distinguishable by its yellow bill and reddish breast.
BANDED BLUE WINGED TEAL OPENING DAY 2010
THE BEST DECOY WEIGHT
Aix sponsa
The Wood Duck or Carolina Duck is a medium-sized perching duck. A typical
adult is about 48 cm (19 in) in length with an average wingspan of 73 cm
(29 in). This is about three-quarters of the length of an adult Mallard.
The adult male has distinctive multi-colored iridescent plumage and red eyes.
The female, less colorful, has a white eye-ring and a whitish throat. Both
adults have crested heads. When swimming, wood ducks bob their head back and
forth in a jerking motion, which makes them easy to spot. Their breeding habitat
is wooded swamps, shallow lakes, marshes or ponds in eastern North America, the
west coast of the United States and western Mexico. They usually nest in
cavities in trees close to water, although they will take advantage of nesting
boxes in wetland locations if available