Mallard Duck - Anas platyrhynchos

Widespread in Europe and North America the Mallard is a familiar duck on most stretches of water. Inhabits overgrown ponds, lakes, pools and slow flowing rivers. Length to 65cm (25in), the male ♂ is colourful with a green iridescent head and yellow beak, white collar, brown breast, black rear and white tail. The female ♀ is an overall mottled brown but has an orange beak. Both have a blue and white patch on the trailing edge of each wing.

Nest usually built on ground close to water, but occasionally in a tree. Clutch of 8 to 14 grey - green eggs, incubated solely by the female in about 3 weeks. Young capable of swimming very soon after hatching following the female to water, diving promptly if in danger. Feeds on a mixed diet, often fed on bread by the public and can become very tame. Can be found as far South as North Africa and India in the winter.

Picture © 2000, wildbritain.com

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Female (top), and Male (bottom), Mallard ducks Picture © 2000,

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