Mallard

Adult males (drakes) feature a glossy bottle-green head, a white neck ring, a chestnut-brown chest, grey flanks, and black tail curl feathers. Females (hens) have mottled brown plumage for camouflage. Eclipse plumage in males resembles the female's coloration during late summer.

Glossy green head (male), white neck ring, brownish-chestnut breast, and blue speculum feathers on the wings bordered with white.

Length: 50-65 cm; Wingspan: 81-98 cm; Weight: 720-1,580 g

Females produce a loud, descending quack. Males emit quieter, low-pitched raspy notes and whistles.

Omnivorous; feeds on plant matter, seeds, roots, insects, small fish, and amphibians by dabbling or grazing on land.

Wetlands, marshes, rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries, and urban parks with access to water.

Partial migrant; northern populations migrate south for winter, while temperate populations are mostly resident.

Ground nesters, usually placing nests hidden in vegetation near water. Clutches typically consist of 8-13 greenish-buff eggs incubated solely by the female.

American Black Duck and various domestic duck hybrids, distinguished by the mallard's distinctive green head and white neck ring in males.

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants and serves as a vital prey base for various predators, while also helping control aquatic insect and plant populations.

Least Concern, with a stable or increasing global population trend.

Easily observed in urban parks, wetlands, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. They are generally habituated to humans and can be approached closely.

The mallard is the ancestor of nearly all domestic duck breeds. Their specialized feathers trap air to provide exceptional buoyancy and waterproofing.