Scientific Name:
Anas platyrhynchos
Distribution
Most of Palearctic and Nearctic zone. Winter populations reach Africa (Nile Valley), SE Asia (Indus Valley to SE China), Mexico and Cuba.
Diet:
Omnivorous - seeds, aquatic plants, crops (such as rice and potatoes), aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, molluscs, crustaceans and worms, occasionally crabs, amphibian and fish .
Facts
Habitat: shallow wetland of fresh, brackish or salt waters.
Incubation: 26-28 days / 9-19 eggs
Social structure: pairs, small to large flocks of several hundreds or even thousands individuals.
Weight: male max 1,8kg, female max 1,3kg
Dimensions: male max 70cm, female max 60cm wing span: max 100cm
Lifespan: 20-29
Estimated population in the wild: 19,000,000
Threats: Wetland habitat degradation and loss, hunting.
IUCN status: Least concern
Did you know that:
- Breeding males may attack females in order to mate; this may lead to the death of the female in some cases.
- In Greece it is a regular winter visitor in small numbers.