Meller's duck (also known as the Madagascar mallard) is easily confused with the female mallard native to our region. The best distinguishing feature is Meller's duck’s grey beak, in contrast to the mallard’s orange-yellowish beak. Another difference from mallards is that the male and female Meller's ducks look the same.
In Madagascar, the species is endangered, particularly due to habitat loss and hunting.
Taxonomy
Anatidae, Anas (31 species)
Habitat
woodland with slow-flowing rivers or lakes up to 2,000 metres above sea level
Migratory behaviour
sedentary
Social structure
in pairs; outside the breeding season, in small groups; active both day and night
