THE MALLARD 
ANAS BOSCH AS 
Loca names in surrounding counties : 
Status IN British Avirauna: A common and widely 
distributed resident, increased in numbers in autumn by 
migrants, and given to much internal wandering during 
the non-breeding season. 
RapiaL DistrRIBUTION WITHIN FIFTEEN MILES OF ST. 
Pauw’s: Although the Mallard is of most frequent 
occurrence during winter there are various places com- 
paratively close to the City where it habitually nests. It 
may rightly be classed as a local resident within the Metro- 
politan area, its nearest breeding-places being probably 
Hyde Park and at Wanstead, Epping, and Richmond. In 
the latter locality a few pairs nest regularly in Richmond 
Park. I have been informed that this Duck also breeds in 
Osterley Park, about the Wembley district, at Kingsbury, 
and in the vicinity of Pinner, Harrow, and Elstree, but 
have no personal confirmation of the fact to offer. I have 
evidence of its doing so in the Epsom, Banstead, and 
Croydon areas, as well as in the Kentish Crays. During 
winter the Mallard pays more or less fleeting visits to 
many of the waters within our limits, in some cases in 
considerable numbers, and at that season wild birds are 
frequently tempted to join their half-captive congeners 
on some of the ornamental waters in the urban parks. 
The Welsh Harp and the Highgate and Hampstead ponds 
used years ago to be frequented by this species, as I know 
from personal experience. 
There are many semi-wild Mallards on the ornamental 
waters of the Metropolis, so that the bird should be 
familiar enough to most people. It is by far the com- 
monest of the British Ducks, and may often be flushed 
from quite small pools and streams. Indeed, it always 
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