Mallard
Explanation
Almost everyone who lives in Maastricht has fed ducks at some time during their childhood. When you visit Tapijn, it is impossible to miss the ducks. There are mainly mallards and domestic ducks living within Tapijn. The latter group are a cross between mallards and domesticated duck species. Originally, mallards lived outside the urban area, but they can now be found in almost every park. Especially in spring, ducklings are a real attraction within Tapijn.
The number of mallards in the Netherlands has been in decline since 1990. The cause of this is still unclear.
Relationship with humans
Why we do what we do
The mallard is the only water bird categorised as waterfowl according to the Hunting and Shooting Act. From 15 August to 31 January, mallards may be hunted from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset.
Generally speaking, the mallard is doing fine in the Netherlands, although the number of mallards has been in decline since 1990. The cause of this is still unclear.
Mallards gratefully feast on bread that they are fed by humans, but bread is actually not healthy for ducks, as it has too much salt in it.