- Anas melleri
Identification
- Large, Brown Duck
- Dives
- Long, greyish Bill
- Orange Legs
- Metallic Green-Blue Speculum
- White Underwings
- Male Larger then female
- Juvenile darker bill and duller plumage.
- Larger, Darker with different coloured bill from Mallard.
Distribution
Endemic to Madagascar where most common on the large lakes to the West of the Island. Also Introduced to Mauritius where now rare.
Taxonomy
Only one known Subpopulation
Habitat
Often found in streams and Freshwater lakes, mainly the streams running east from the plateau.
Behaviour
Often found in Pairs or small parties from 4-12 birds, though larger parties have been found on Lake Alaotra. They are Highly territorial, with territories of upto 2km long.
Diet
Animal Matter, Seeds and Water Plants
Breeding
Nests from September to April. Nests in a mound of vegetation on the waters edge. Often nests in streams, undisturbed rivers or the blackwater of lakes.
