Mallard Duck
Anas platyrhynchos
The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the largest and most widespread dabbling duck in the family Anatidae, serving as the wild ancestor of most domestic duck breeds. It measures 50–65 cm in length with an 81–98 cm wingspan. The species displays strong sexual dimorphism: breeding males feature a glossy green head, a white neck ring, a chestnut-brown breast, a gray body, and a yellow bill. Females have mottled brown camouflage plumage, while both sexes share a distinct iridescent blue-purple wing speculum bordered with white. Mallards inhabit virtually all wetland types, including lakes, rivers, marshes, and urban park ponds. They feed primarily by upending in shallow water, consuming aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and mollusks. Females lay 8–13 eggs, and the precocial ducklings swim immediately after hatching.