Mallard (male)

Description:

Mallards are an introduced species with the conservation status of naturalised. "The breeding male mallard is unmistakable, with a glossy bottle-green head and a white collar that demarcates the head from the purple-tinged brown breast, grey-brown wings, and a pale grey belly. The rear of the male is black, with white-bordered dark tail feathers. The bill of the male is a yellowish-orange tipped with black, with that of the female generally darker and ranging from black to mottled orange and brown." (Wiki)

Habitat:

Having a stretch in the creek running through the Botanic Gardens.

Notes:

Mallard females are sometimes mistaken for the native Grey Duck and the "Fish and Game" site has info on how to distinguish them: https://fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hun...