Meller's Duck (Anas melleri) is a rare and endangered dabbling duck endemic to Madagascar, with a small relict population on Mauritius. It is a large, dark-plumaged duck, similar in appearance to a large female Mallard but with subtle differences.
Where to spot
Madagascar, primarily in the eastern and northern parts of the island, and a small introduced population on Mauritius. It inhabits freshwater wetlands, forest streams, and lakes.
How to spot
Look for a large, uniformly dark brown duck with a slightly paler head and neck, an orange-yellow bill with a blackish smudge at the base, and dull orange feet. Unlike a Mallard, it lacks strong iridescent speculum colors, having more of a dull green or blueish speculum.
When to spot
Year-round in its restricted range. Breeding season typically follows the rainy season.
Where to spot
Madagascar, primarily in the eastern and northern parts of the island, and a small introduced population on Mauritius. It inhabits freshwater wetlands, forest streams, and lakes.
How to spot
Look for a large, uniformly dark brown duck with a slightly paler head and neck, an orange-yellow bill with a blackish smudge at the base, and dull orange feet. Unlike a Mallard, it lacks strong iridescent speculum colors, having more of a dull green or blueish speculum.
When to spot
Year-round in its restricted range. Breeding season typically follows the rainy season.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Meller's Duck is one of the most threatened duck species in the world, facing significant habitat loss and degradation, as well as hybridization with introduced Mallards.
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