Mallard
(Anas platyrhynchos)

Mating

     When it comes to mating, female Mallards are very picky.  The choose a 'preferred' male, which increases the likelihood of survival for the chicks. 
    But why?
    A new study published in Nature (404, 74-77, 2000) indicates that contrary to the old believe that it has everything to do with genetic advantage, the females put more maternal investment in the eggs.

Reference
Smyly, R., 2000.  Beauty is ova-rated.  Nature, Vol. 404, p. 31.

Duck
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Mandarin (?) Duck
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Ducks
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