Mallard

Adult males (drakes) have a distinct glossy bottle-green head, a white neck ring, a rich brown chest, grey flanks, and a black rear with curled central tail feathers. Females (hens) are mottled brown with a orange-brown and black bill, providing camouflage.

Glossy green head (male), white neck ring, purple-blue speculum wing patch bordered with white, and curled tail feathers (male).

Length: 50-65 cm (20-26 in), Wingspan: 81-98 cm (32-39 in), Weight: 720-1,580 g (1.6-3.5 lbs).

Females produce the classic loud, descending quack. Males emit quieter, low-pitched grunts and whistles.

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

Found in a wide variety of wetlands, including lakes, rivers, marshes, ponds, estuaries, and urban park ponds.

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

Nests on the ground hidden in dense vegetation near water. Lays 8-13 greenish-buff eggs. Incubation lasts about 27-28 days, performed solely by the female.

American Black Duck and Mexican Duck, though male Mallards are easily distinguished by their green heads.

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants and serves as prey for various predators, contributing to wetland food webs.

Least Concern, with a very large and stable global population.

Easily found in almost any urban or rural body of water. Approach slowly, as they are often habituated to humans in parks but can be skittish in the wild.

The Mallard is the ancestor of nearly all domestic duck breeds. They are highly adaptable and frequently hybridize with other duck species.