The Mallard or Wild Duck is a dabbling duck which belongs to the Anatidae family.
Mallards frequently interbreed with other members of the Anas genus such as the American Black Duck and also more distantly related species such as the Northern Pintail.
The name Mallard was derived from the french word malart which means 'Wild Drake'.
Hear the Mallard's Call:-
Conservation Status
Size
550mm to 620mm (22" to 24")
Appearance - Male
A metallic Green head and neck with a Purple-Brown breast which is seperated by a White ring.
Its back is a light Grey with the underbelly being a lighter Grey.
The tail is White with curling Black feathers.
Its wings are Brownish-Grey with Purple-Blue between Black and White bars on each side.
The bill is a Greenish Yellow and the feet are Orange.
Appearance - Female
The female plumage is not unlike other ducks being a mottled Brown.
They have a pale eyebrow with a dark stripe across the eye.
The wings also have Purple-Blue between Black and White bars on each side.
The bill is Olive-Brown with Yellow-Orange towards the edges. The feet are Orange.
Habitat
Wetlands, Parks, Rivers, and Ponds. Widespread in northern hemisphere and also found in Australasia.
Diet
Mainly Aquatic Vegetation, also occasional Aquatic Insects and Tadpoles etc.
Breeding Time
April to June
Nest
Mallards often conceal their nest in undergrowth made from grasses and leaves. The nest is lined with down and is built by the female.
Eggs
Quantity: 10 to 12
Average size: 66m x 48mm
Colour: Geenish-White.