Mallard: Forced mating

“I was in Amsterdam attending an exhibition. Took some time to side track visiting a garden near the hotel I stayed.

“Mallard (Anas platyrhyncos) is very common in this part of the world.

“They can be seen in garden, park…

“Even in the canal right in the city center of Amsterdam!

“This trip indeed an eye opener for me, I didn’t know Mallard can mate in water!

“Another thing that I’m not sure is if mating in water is only happening during force mating.”

Samson Tan
Singapore
21st May 2016
(This post first appeared HERE)

Note:
1. According to Carboneras (1992), members of Anatidae that includes ducks, geese and swans copulate almost always on the water. One of the few exceptions is the Cape Barren Goose, that invariably copulates on land.
2. According to Trudge (2008), rape is common among supposedly monogamous Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) and Mallards, sometimes causing the female to drown when attacked in the water.

References:
1. Carboneras, C., 1992. Family Anatidae (Ducks, Geese and Swans). In: del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott & J. Sargatal (eds.), Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 1. Ostrich to Ducks. Lynx Editions, Barcelona. Pp. 536-628 states on page 557
2. Tudge, C., 2008. Consider the birds. Who they are and what they want. Allen Lane, London. 480 pp.