17. Mallard

Bird migration is well under way, with millions thronging northward to raise a family. Crossing the sea are also several species of wild duck, among which is the quintessential Duck: the Mallard (M: Kuluvert) - not because it's any more duck than the others, but it's the ancestor species of most domesticated ducks, and hence very familiar with humans. Domestic Mallards come in many colour combinations, but the true wild Mallard drake carries the iridiscent green head, yellow bill, grey back and black backside. Wild Mallards are frequently seen on passage around Malta, though not often in spring, and one or two occasionally splash down for a rest in shallow lakes like Ghadira and Is-Simar nature reserves.  

Text by Victor Falzon, photo by Denis Cachia. Copyright to Birdlife Malta.