Meller's Duck
Anas melleri
The Meller's Duck (Anas melleri) is a rare ducks, swans, and geese found in 2 countries, weighing about 959 g. Meller's duck is a species of the dabbling duck genus Anas.
About the Meller's Duck
Meller's duck is a species of the dabbling duck genus Anas. It is endemic to eastern Madagascar. Although a population was established on Mauritius in the mid-18th century, this is on the verge of extinction due to habitat loss and competition by feral domestic ducks. The species name of this species is after the botanist Charles James Meller, and its generic name is from the Latin for "duck".
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Meller's duck resembles a large female mallard. At 55–65 centimetres (22–26 in), it averages slightly larger than a mallard and is at the top size for the genus Anas. However, as opposed to most mallard relatives, they lack a supercilium. The speculum feathers are green as in some of its relatives, but unlike in these, it is bordered white as in the mallard. Its body is dark brown with narrow paler fringes to feathers on upper parts and wider fringes on lower parts. Its bill is pale grey, with dark patches at the base, and is larger than normal. Its feet and legs are orange.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: July, August, September, October, November, with peak activity in October. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Meller's Duck?
- The Meller's duck resembles a large female mallard. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Meller's Duck?
- The Meller's Duck is a large sized bird weighing about 959 g.
- Where can you see a Meller's Duck?
- The Meller's Duck occurs in 2 countries, including Madagascar and Mauritius.
- What birds look similar to a Meller's Duck?
- The Meller's Duck is most easily confused with the Auckland Teal, the Campbell Teal and the Bernier's Teal.
- Is the Meller's Duck endangered?
- The Meller's Duck is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Meller's Duck for real
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