Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
Adult mallards inhabit ponds, lakes, marshes, rivers, estuaries, and human-made wetlands across much of the Northern Hemisphere. They are dabbling ducks, feeding by grazing, filtering food with the bill, and tipping tail-up to reach aquatic plants, seeds, insects, snails, and small crustaceans. Adults escape danger with sudden takeoff, fast direct flight, swimming, diving briefly when threatened, and sharp bill or wing strikes at close range. A notable fact is that the curled black tail feathers of adult males are a useful field mark during the breeding season.
- Type
- Water / Wing
- Conservation status
- LC