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Mallard Duck

The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) is the most well-known species in America because of its physical characteristics, but mostly because of the drake's green head. Like every other duck species, the drake is very different compared to the female. It has a coloured plumage: shiny green head, white collar, brown chest, grey flanks, brown back, black tail and rump. The female displays less colours than the drake. Its plumage is brown and white, however, just like the male it has a blue speculum bordered with white.

The mallard nests all across North America. During its reproduction period in spring, it can be found in the north of the United States and as far as the Bering Sea in Alaska. In this distribution range, the mallard likes better the large prairies full of humid zones that pave the way for reproducing and nesting. This duck species leaves its wintering area early (February or March). A lot of mallards prefer the western part of North America, but some also choose the east or the west of Canada. During winter, the mallard can be observed everywhere in the United States. Others winter in British Columbia, Alberta, and Northern Mexico. Their autumn migration towards the south usually begins in the end of September or in early October.

The mallard duck is a dabbler, it means that it does not dive underwater to feed. It eats natural and domestic (cereals) food : aquatic plants and herbaceous. Sometimes, it also eats other animals like mussels, insects, and invertebrates. During the laying period (spring), the female exchanges its vegetarian diet for aquatic insects. It gives the female the necessary amount of energy for the laying.

The mallard female's eggs hatch between late April and late May. During the ducklings' first weeks, the mother teaches them how to swim and feed alone. After two months, the duckling's plumage is complete and it will be able to fly.