62 THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 



Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 



In the western part of the State this duck is mure common 

 than in the eastern. It occurs chiefly as a transient, though it 

 breeds to some extent within the State, particularly around the 

 central lakes and Lake Ontario. The mallard is partly domesti- 

 cated, and the domestic duck, which is derived from it, resembles 

 it closely. 20-25 



Call no. 



Nu Mcl Six Aduhs, Male and Female, Domesticated, near Water 



The heavy bodies, large heads, thick necks and short bills show 

 that these are domesticated birds. 



Nu Mcl2 Wild Bird (captive) in Eclipse Plumage. Ithaca. (Sep- 

 tember 22, 1918) Allen 



This plumage is worn from July until the middle of October. 

 It corresponds to the winter plumage of most birds. The change 

 from one plumage to another is gradual. 



Nu Mcl4 Wild Bird (captive), Male in Full Plumage. Ithaca. (Oc- 

 tober 27, 1918) Allen 



This plumage is worn from October until the last of July. 

 The only change from this plumage takes place by feather wear. 

 The gray edgings to the breast wear off, making it appear redder 

 and the white band wider. 



Compare the wild mallard with picture of domestic mallards, 

 noting differences in shape of head, body and bill. 



Nu Mc2 Nest with Nine Eggs, Photographed by P. B. Peabody, 

 Hallock, Minn, and Nest with Ten Eggs, Photographed 

 by Verdi Burtch, Branchport. (May 28, 1916) 



The nest is usually on the ground near some marshy stream, 

 but occasionally on a rotten stump. Note the thick, soft lining 

 of the nest. The female plucks the down from her own breast 

 to cover the eggs as incubation progresses. In the first picture 

 the bird has scarcely begun to incubate. 



Nu Mc3 Female (captive) on Nest. Ithaca. (June 9, 1917) Allen 



Nu Mc8 Male and Female Jumping up for Flight. Ithaca. (March 

 18, 1918) Allen 



