Mallard Duck

Mallard Duck 

(Anasplatyrhynchos)

Photographed at Etobicoke Creek, Toronto, ON  Mar 2007

One of the most familiar of ducks, the Mallard is found throughout North America and all across Eurasia. Where it does not occur naturally, it often has been introduced. It is found in all kinds of wetlands and is a familiar inhabitant of urban park ponds.

The Mallard is the ancestor of nearly all domestic duck breeds (everything except the Muscovy duck). Many of the domestic breeds look like the wild birds, but usually are larger. They are variable in plumage, often lacking the white neck ring or having white on the chest.

Mallard pairs form long before the spring breeding season. Pairing takes place in the fall, but courtship can be seen all winter. Only the female incubates the eggs and takes care of the ducklings.

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