Influence of male nuptial plumage on mate selection in the female mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

The aim of this study was to investigate the basis of mate selection in the mallard, with special reference to the role of the female. Females were reared under more or less restricted social conditions during ontogeny. When sexual mature they were offered a choice between males of different colour categories. The females used were raised under three conditions: (1) with natural mother and siblings (control females), (2) with experience of other conspecific females but no males, or (3) with no experience of ducks at all (Kaspar Hauser). The total number of females used was 227. The females were able to discriminate between normal mallards and differently coloured mallards to a large extent irrespective of their own early experience. This suggests that the females' initial mate selection is dependent on male plumage characteristics.