Mallard Wild Duck

British Birds: Mallard

Mallard

Jake Davies

The mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, is the most common wild duck in the UK. Found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, in the UK they can be seen on any body of water, river, lake, pond, or canal. It is also the species of duck that most domesticated ducks are descended from. The most distinguishing feature of the mallard is its green head and neck, however, this is only on the males. The female mallard is pretty much brown and mottled, perfect camouflage for protecting the nest. The colourful male plumage is exhibited during mating season and will become almost indistinguishable from the female plumage at other times. Unlike many migratory birds that strictly follow a specific route to a specific destination, mallards are somewhat flexible and will migrate depending on weather and availability of food.