Mallard Ducks in Technopark

Mallard ducks are highly adaptable, iconic waterfowl famous for their striking looks and unique behaviours. They are the ancestor of almost all domestic duck breeds and feature a brilliant iridescent green head in males. These social birds display incredible physical and biological traits, including near-360° vision and the ability to rest half of their brain while asleep.

Here are some of the most fascinating facts about these widespread creatures:

·  Asymmetrical Sleep: Mallards can sleep with one eye open. They use a technique called "unihemispheric slow-wave sleep," meaning they can shut down one half of their brain and keep the corresponding eye open to watch for predators, while leaving the other half of the brain resting.

·  Not All Ducks Quack: Only the female Mallards (hens) make the iconic, loud "quack" sound. Male Mallards (drakes) make much quieter, rasping one- or two-note calls, and don't quack at all.

·  Surprising Flight Speed: While they may look leisurely swimming in the water, Mallards are capable of reaching top flight speeds of up to 70 mph (113 km/h).

·  Omnivorous Dabblers: Mallards are "dabbling" ducks. Instead of diving, they tip forward—head down, tail in the air—to graze on aquatic plants, seeds, worms, and small fish at the water's surface.

·  Unusual Upward Takeoff: Unlike heavier birds that need a long running start, Mallards can launch themselves vertically into the air directly from the water's surface by smacking their wings downward.

Extreme Adaptability: Mallards are the most abundant and widespread wild duck in the Northern Hemisphere. Their success is largely due to their willingness to crossbreed, and they have successfully hybridized with at least 40 other species of ducks.

So, on your next lunch break, pay a quick visit to the dams in Technopark to meet our own little family of Mallard ducks!