Mallard
Buckpool and Fens Pool Local Nature Reserve
What3Words
///thin.spill.bravo
The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the most familiar and widespread species of dabbling duck, found across North America, Europe, and Asia. They are highly adaptable and a common sight in urban parks, ponds, rivers, and various wetland habitats.
Size:
They are large, heavy-looking ducks, typically 50-62 cm (20-24 inches) in length with a wingspan of 81-98 cm (32-39 inches).
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males (drakes) and females (hens) have very different appearances, so much so that they were once thought to be different species.
Male (Drake):
Has a striking, iridescent green head and neck, a bright yellow bill, a white neck ring, a chestnut-brown breast, and grey body plumage. They also have a distinctive curled black feather just above the tail.
Female (Hen):
Has a more muted, mottled brown and tan plumage for camouflage during nesting, with an orange and brown bill.
Both:
Both sexes have a distinctive, white-bordered, iridescent blue or purple patch on their wings called a speculum, which is visible in flight.
Vocalization:
Only the female makes the loud, characteristic "quack" sound commonly associated with ducks. Males have a much quieter, raspier, one or two-note call.
Mallard
Buckpool and Fens Pool Local Nature Reserve
What3Words
///thin.spill.bravo
The mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is the most familiar and widespread species of dabbling duck, found across North America, Europe, and Asia. They are highly adaptable and a common sight in urban parks, ponds, rivers, and various wetland habitats.
Size:
They are large, heavy-looking ducks, typically 50-62 cm (20-24 inches) in length with a wingspan of 81-98 cm (32-39 inches).
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males (drakes) and females (hens) have very different appearances, so much so that they were once thought to be different species.
Male (Drake):
Has a striking, iridescent green head and neck, a bright yellow bill, a white neck ring, a chestnut-brown breast, and grey body plumage. They also have a distinctive curled black feather just above the tail.
Female (Hen):
Has a more muted, mottled brown and tan plumage for camouflage during nesting, with an orange and brown bill.
Both:
Both sexes have a distinctive, white-bordered, iridescent blue or purple patch on their wings called a speculum, which is visible in flight.
Vocalization:
Only the female makes the loud, characteristic "quack" sound commonly associated with ducks. Males have a much quieter, raspier, one or two-note call.