Anas platyrhynchos
The Mallard is the most numerous and, with the male's iridescent green head and chestnut breast, the most recognizable duck in the Northern Hemisphere. Its circumpolar distribution makes it a familiar sight through North America, Europe and Asia. Mallards are abundant, year-round residents in the Rockies, tolerating the worst of our weather if water remains open by rivers or hot springs. Wild Mallards will freely hybridize with domestic ducks. The resulting offspring, frequently seen in city parks, are a confusing blend of both parents. Most people think of the Mallard's quack as the classic duck call. The scientific name platyrhynchos is Greek for 'broad, flat bill.' |
I.D.: General: dark blue speculum is bordered by white; orange feet. Male: glossy green head; yellow bill; chestnut breast; white 'necklace'; gray body plumage; black tail feathers that curl upward. Female: mottled brown overall; orange bill is splattered with black. Size: L 20-28 in. (51-71 cm). Range: abundant year-round resident in the southern Rockies; abundant summer resident, abundant migrant and common winter resident in the northern Rockies. Habitat: lakes, wetlands, backwaters and springs in the montane and the subalpine. Nesting: in tall vegetation or under a bush, often near water; nest is made of grass and other plant material and lined with down; female incubates 7-10 light green eggs. Feeding: tips up and dabbles in shallows for the seeds of sedges, willows and pondweeds; also eats aquatic invertebrates, larval amphibians and fish eggs. Voice: Female: loud quacks; very vocal. Similar Species: Northern Shoveler: larger bill; male has a white breast. American Black Duck: darker than a female Mallard; purple speculum. Common Merganser: male lacks the chestnut breast and has snowy white underparts. |
