mate guarding
Females first
When a mallard pair moves about, it is almost always the female that goes first with the male close behind. Not by chance!
Male problem
The male has a problem. There are usually other males about, relentlessly eager to mate with his partner. Even the male of an established pair may try to mate with other females.
Mate guarding
So, the word is: Keep an eye on your female! A male with a partner threatens other males that come too close. He always follows his partner in order to keep an eye on both her and the unsafe surroundings.
