Feeding, Growth, and Plumage Changes of Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos, Linnaeus) Ducklings in Captivity

摘要

Very little study has been carried out on growth and plumage changes of mallard ducklings, with age, because of their precocial nature and the secretive behavior of females while rearing young. Therefore, an attempt was made during the present study to appraise growth and plumage changes of mallard ducklings in captivity. Growth in captivity was slightly less than in nature. Growth rate in females was slightly less than males. Onset of flight was also delayed in captivity.A century ago, mallards (Anasplatyrhynchos, Linnaeus) bred in large numbers in Kashmir, India. Destruction of wetland habitat in general, and at mallard nesting sites in particular, combined with illegal egg collection and indiscriminate poaching, caused mallards to discontinue breeding in Kashmir, although they do overwinter there. Breeding pairs have recently been observed again, albeit in small numbers. It is a good sign, but there is a need for research on various breeding parameters in order to facilitate an increase in the breeding population.