Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos male female quadrat

Anas Rubripes and Anas Platyrhynchos August 2008

Anas platyrhynchos juvenile JdP 2013-06-14 n01 retusche

DrakeMallardPortrait

Female Mallard with faded plumage at Bray Lock, May 2015

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Mallard speculum

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is a species of duck that belongs to the family Anatidae. It is a widely distributed, dabbling duck that is found in the Northern Hemisphere. The mallard is considered the ancestor of most domestic ducks and is recognizable by its distinctive coloring. Males, known as drakes, have a glossy green head, white neck ring, chestnut-brown chest, and gray body, while females, known as hens, display mottled brown plumage. Both sexes have a blue speculum (wing patch) bordered by white, which is visible in flight or while at rest.

Description

Mallards are medium-sized waterfowl with a body length ranging from 50 to 65 centimeters (20 to 26 inches) and a wingspan of 81 to 98 centimeters (32 to 39 inches). They have a characteristic flat bill and webbed feet, adapted for their aquatic lifestyle. The male mallard's bright plumage is used to attract females during the breeding season, while the female's camouflaged coloring helps to protect her and her nest from predators.

Habitat and Distribution

Mallards are highly adaptable ducks that can live in a variety of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes, and estuaries. They are also commonly found in urban and suburban areas, where they frequent parks and gardens with water bodies. Mallards are migratory birds in the northern parts of their range but may be year-round residents in warmer climates. Their migration patterns are influenced by weather conditions and the availability of food.

Behavior

Mallards are omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of food, including aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and small fish. They feed by dabbling, tipping forward in the water to graze on underwater plants, and by foraging on land. Mallards are social birds outside of the breeding season, forming large flocks that can sometimes include other duck species.

During the breeding season, mallards become more territorial. Males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females. After mating, the female lays a clutch of 7 to 10 eggs, which she incubates for about 28 days. The ducklings are precocial, meaning they are born with their eyes open and are covered in down, ready to leave the nest within a day of hatching.

Conservation

The mallard is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, thanks to its wide distribution and large population. However, they face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and regulating hunting to ensure sustainable populations.

Cultural Significance

The mallard is one of the most recognized and commonly depicted ducks in Western culture. It has been featured in art, literature, and folklore, often symbolizing fidelity and resourcefulness. The mallard is also an important species for waterfowl hunting and is used in duck decoys to attract other ducks.