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Jewel Cave National MonumentCave pearls, polished by dripping water (NPS Photo)
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Jewel Cave National Monument
Mallard
Male mallard paddling through the water.
NPS File Photo
Mallards are rare visitors to Jewel Cave National Monument due to a lack of suitable habitat.
 

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Family: Anatinae

This is the most commonly seen duck in the United States. Mallards have a wide variety of habitat. They can be seen on lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and marshes. They eat a variety of grasses and herbs. The Monument has few suitable habitats for Mallards so it is rare to see one at Jewel Cave.

A caver measures wind speed at the Humdinger / NPS file photo  

Did You Know?
Due to changes in barometric pressure, strong winds blow through Jewel Cave’s passages miles from the natural entrance. Areas in the cave where the wind is exceptionally strong or loud have names like Hurricane Corner, Whistle Stop, Exhaust Pipe, Humdinger, and Drafty Maneuver.

Last Updated: April 24, 2007 at 12:58 EST