Name/Title
Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)Entry/Object ID
2001.01.18Description
Taxidermy - Full specimen mount of bird
This duck, the Mallard or Wild Duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is a dabbling duck that breeds throughout temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurasia, and beyond. As a dabbling duck, or puddle duck, they frequent shallow waters such as flooded fields and marshes and feed by tipping up rather than diving. A male Mallard, like this, has a dark, iridescent-green head and bright yellow bill with a grey body sandwiched between a brown breast and black rear.Context
The early members of the Union Club of British Columbia enjoyed the scenic splendours and the many opportunities for sports fishing and big game hunting across the province. Over time, the Club became noted for its outstanding collection of mounted taxidermy items. Of note, in 1910 the Club loaned its collection to the Dominion Government for international exhibition in Vienna (details unknown).
It appears that the mounted Wolf Eel (2001.01.100) may be the only survivor of the original early 20th century collection. For further detail - see Susan Mayse, "The Union Club of British Columbia - Our First 125 Years" (Victoria, B.C.: The Union Club of British Columbia, 2004):59, and Paul L. Bissley, "Early and Late Victorians: A History of the Union Club of British Columbia" (Sidney, B.C.: Review Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd., 1969). Both publications are available in the UCBC Library.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
UnknownRole
TaxidermistDate made
n.d.Time Period
20th CenturyNotes
Stuffed and posed Mallard Duck on beech wood branch perch in landing posture with legs and wings outstretched. Faces left.
Note: Metal support visible down left leg.
Pair with 2001.01.17Acquisition
Acquisition Method
Legacy collection - detail unknown