THE MALLARD 



ANAS BOSCH AS 



LOCAL names in surrounding counties : 



STATUS IN BRITISH AVIFAUNA : A common and widely 

 distributed resident, increased in numbers in autumn by 

 migrants, and given to much internal wandering during 

 the non-breeding season. 



RADIAL DISTRIBUTION WITHIN FIFTEEN MILES OF ST. 

 PAUL'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 Grays. 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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