Mallard (Juvenile / Eclipse Plumage)

This individual appears to be a juvenile or an adult male in eclipse (non-breeding) plumage, showing mottled brown, buff, and tan body feathers with hints of the adult female's patterned camouflage, yet lacking the bright green head of a breeding male.

Look for the distinctive purple-blue wing speculum bordered by white, orange-and-brown mottled body, and a broad yellowish-green or brownish bill.

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 ('quack-quack-quack-quack'), while males make a quieter, muffled two-note rasp or whistle.

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

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

Partial migrant. Northern populations migrate south for winter, while urban and southern populations are generally non-migratory residents.

Builds a shallow bowl nest on the ground hidden in dense vegetation near water, lined with plant material and down feathers. Lays 8-13 greenish-buff eggs.

American Black Duck and various domestic duck hybrids. Distinguished by specific wing speculum patterns and head markings.

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants and helps control invertebrate and algae populations in wetlands.

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

Easily observed in almost any urban park, lake, or wetland. They are often habituated to humans and will approach for food.

Mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds (except the Muscovy duck) and frequently hybridize with other duck species.