Bird · GBIF taxon 9761484
Anas platyrhynchos
anas platyrhynchosAlso known as Wild Duck, Greenhead, Northern Mallard
Mallards are highly adaptable dabbling ducks easily recognized by the male's iridescent green head, bright yellow bill, and blue wing speculum. They feed by tipping forward into the water to reach aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates rather than diving. As the ancestor of almost all domestic duck breeds, these social birds thrive in both pristine wilderness wetlands and busy city park ponds.
WaterfowlAdaptableMigratory
- diet
- Omnivorous (aquatic plants, seeds, insects, mollusks, and small fish)
- family
- Anatidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, water pollution, lead poisoning from ammunition, and hybridization with domestic ducks
- life Span
- 5 to 10 years in the wild
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance; avoid disturbing nesting females.
- Feeding: Avoid offering bread, which lacks nutrition; offer oats, peas, or cracked corn instead.
- Nesting Season: Keep a respectful distance from females nesting in tall grass near water margins.
- Observation: Watch for the classic dabbling behavior where they tip tail-up to feed on the bottom.