Adventures Outdoors'
IN WISCONSIN
MALLARD
(Anas platyrhynchos)
The Mallard Duck is by far the most popular Duck hunted in Wisconsin. Statewide the estimate of breeding Mallards was 164,000 birds, a decrease of 60% from 2000. The heavy rains we had the last two Mays probably have caused the decline. But North Dakotas breeding population increased 28% and there is still a migrating population of over 10 million birds across the US and Canada. Most Mallards we shoot in Wisconsin our of our own breeding population. The average length of the drake is 24.7". And the average length of the hen is 23". The average weight of the drake is 2.7 lbs and the hen is 2.4 lbs. Of course we probably have shot late season Mallards at almost 4 lbs. The Drakes description is as follows, a metallic green head, white ringed neck, chestnut breast, gray stomach, white tail, yellow bill, iridescent blue wing speculum with a white and black border. The Hen is mottled brown, with a blue wing speculum with white and black border, and a orange bill. It builds its nest close to the waters edge usually in heavy grass. The nest is constructed of dry grass, leaves and down. She lays between 8 and 12 eggs that are light tan to blueish in color. The ducklings cant fly for the first two months and the hen provides oil from her down to preen them so they don't become waterlogged and drowned. She will often nest again if the first one fails. Mallards prefer shallows to feed and rest as they are a puddle duck , but are also seen in deep water resting.