Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758

Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, is a duck in the Anatidae family and the Anseriformes order. It breeds across North America and much of the Palearctic. The species is a dabbling duck and is found in wetlands. It is the main ancestor of most domestic duck breeds. The male has a green head, while the female is mainly brown-speckled. Both sexes show a white-edged dark or iridescent wing patch, with blue especially noted in males. The female lays 8 to 13 eggs, and the young can swim at hatching.

Order

Anseriformes

Family

Anatidae — Ducks, Geese, Swans

Breeding range

North America, Palearctic: widespread

Nonbreeding range

Mexico, n AF, AU and n OR