Mallard
rakiraki · Anas platyrhynchos
Commonly seen on ponds, dams and sheltered bays, though many are grey duck hybrids.
Story
Imported from English game farms from 1870, and later from Connecticut. Acclimatisation societies released over 30,000 until 1974. Mallards then hybridised with the native grey duck and have replaced it on most wetlands.
Behaviour
Dabbles and grazes on seeds, grasses and water plants, plus insects and snails. Pairs form each season, but the drake leaves all the incubating and duckling care to the female.