The mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It has a long body and a long and broad bill. The male has a dark green head, a yellow bill, is mainly purple-brown on the breast and grey on the body. The female is mainly brown with an orange bill. It breeds in all parts of the UK in summer and winter, wherever there are suitable wetland habitats, although it is scarcer in upland areas. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants - many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here.
Key ID Features:
A variably coloured, large duck, but both the brown, duller females and brighter males (often with greeny-blue or blackish heads) have a bright blue speculum.
Overview
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
It is the commonest duck and most widespread so you have a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat, even in urban areas.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Seeds, acorns and berries, plants, insects and shellfish.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
