The Mallard Duck

    The Mallard Duck (Latin name: Anas Platyrhynchos) is a slightly large waterfowl. It is very clearly sexually dimorphic. Males have pronounced green head and bright yellow bills. Females are drab with orange-yellow bills. They live in almost any wetland environment (Ex. marshes, ponds, lakes, city parks). The Mallard is on low conservation status, in 2014 their population was about 11.6 million. 

    Mallards form pairs in the fall and winter and they migrate in early spring. The males follow the females to the breeding area. The breeding area is usually on the ground and no more than 1 mile from water. 

    The female Mallard builds the nest in a shallow depression in the ground near water. The nest is built close to the water and is usually concealed with vegetation or an overhang. During Egg-laying the female lines the nest with grasses, twigs, and leaves; and pulls vegetation over themselves and the nest. Typically a female Mallard lays between 1-13 eggs per clutch. After incubation, the Mallard plucks her own down feathers from her breast and lines the nest and covers the eggs with them.

    The Mallard is omnivorous, but primarily eats seeds, grass, and other vegetation. Their diet shifts during different parts of the year. During the breeding season, they primarily eat aquatic insect larvae, earthworms, snails, and freshwater shrimp. During Migration, they mainly eat seeds and grains.