Meller's duck is a species of the dabbling duck genus Anas. It is endemic to eastern Madagascar. Although a population was established on Mauritius in the mid-18th century, this is on the verge of extinction due to habitat loss and competition by feral domestic ducks. The species name of this species is after the botanist Charles James Meller, and its generic name is from the Latin for "duck".
Region
Eastern and central Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occupies freshwater lakes, marshes, slow-flowing rivers, and swampy forest edges, especially where emergent vegetation offers cover. It also uses human-modified wetlands such as rice paddies when disturbance is low. Dense reedbeds and floating vegetation mats are important for concealment and nesting. Historically widespread in eastern Madagascar, it is now fragmented, with strongholds in a few protected or remote wetlands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Meller's duck is one of Madagascar's few endemic waterfowl and closely resembles a large, dark female Mallard. It is threatened by wetland drainage, hunting, and genetic swamping through hybridization with feral domestic ducks. Small remnant numbers may persist on Mauritius, but the species is essentially confined to Madagascar today. Conservation breeding and habitat protection efforts are underway but remain challenging.
Illustration by Joseph Wolf (1864)
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups and believed to be largely monogamous. Nests are well-hidden on the ground near water in dense vegetation. Clutches are moderate in size, and adults are highly protective, leading ducklings into thick cover at signs of danger.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Females give loud, harsh quacks reminiscent of a Mallard but deeper and more nasal. Males produce softer wheezy notes and low grunts, especially during courtship.
