The mallard is the most familiar of all the dabbling ducks, found right across Europe, Asia and North America. They have also been introduced to South Africa and Australia. Mallards are a common sight at our local parks and ponds, and are often very tame, being fed by the public regularly.
How to identify
The breeding plumage of the male mallard includes a shiny green head, maroon-brown chest, yellow bill and curly black feathers just above the tail. Female mallards are brown and mottled in comparison.
Did you know?
The mallard is the ancestor of most domesticated, farmyard ducks. Male and female mallards looks so different that they were originally thought to be different species!
