Mallard

The Mallard is deeply woven into human culture, appearing in folklore, art, and literature across continents. Its image is a staple in wetland conservation campaigns and children's stories, and its quack is instantly recognizable. In some cultures, Mallards symbolize adaptability and resilience, while their feathers have historically been used for decoration and insulation. The species also features in culinary traditions and is a prized game bird in many regions.

• The Mallard is the wild ancestor of nearly all domestic duck breeds.
• Males exhibit a dazzling green head, while females are camouflaged for nesting safety.
• Mallards are known for their ability to hybridize with other duck species, sometimes producing fertile offspring.
• Their adaptability allows them to thrive in both pristine wetlands and bustling urban parks.
• The Mallard's quack is so distinctive that it is often used as the archetypal duck sound in media.

Mallards are native to the Northern Hemisphere, with their original range spanning Eurasia and North America. Today, they are found on every continent except Antarctica, inhabiting freshwater and brackish wetlands, lakes, rivers, ponds, and even urban parks. Their adaptability has enabled them to thrive in both wild and human-altered environments, making them one of the most widely distributed duck species.

Mallards are omnivorous dabblers, feeding primarily on aquatic vegetation, seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. They forage by tipping forward in shallow water to reach food below the surface and will also graze on land. Their flexible diet allows them to exploit a variety of habitats and food sources, contributing to their widespread success.

Mallards breed in spring and early summer, with females typically laying clutches of 8–13 eggs in concealed nests near water. Incubation lasts about a month, and ducklings are precocial, leaving the nest soon after hatching. Mallards may breed once per year, though favorable conditions can result in two clutches. Their average lifespan in the wild is around five years, though some individuals live longer.

The Mallard is currently classified as a species of Least Concern, reflecting its large, stable global population and broad distribution. However, threats include habitat loss, pollution, lead poisoning, and genetic dilution from hybridization with domestic and other wild ducks. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining healthy wetland habitats and monitoring population trends.

Mallards play a vital ecological role in wetland ecosystems, influencing plant and invertebrate populations through their feeding habits. Economically, they are important in sport hunting and serve as the genetic foundation for most domestic duck breeds used in agriculture for meat and eggs. Their feathers have been historically valued for insulation and decoration, and their presence in urban areas supports birdwatching and educational activities.

While the wild Mallard itself has not been selectively bred, its genetic legacy underpins nearly all domesticated duck breeds worldwide. Domestic ducks used for meat, eggs, and ornamental purposes are descended from Mallards, with selective breeding giving rise to diverse forms and traits. Regional subspecies include the nominate Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos and the disputed Anas platyrhynchos conboschas in East Asia.

• Scientific synonyms: Anas boschas
• Common names: Wild Duck (UK), Canard colvert (French), Stockente (German), Ánade real (Spanish)
• Other names: Wild Duck, Mallard Duck