Water birds
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
The mallard or wild duck is a dabbling duck that breeds throughout temperate and subtropical North America, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
Males have a glossy green head and white neck ring; females are mottled brown with an orange bill.
- Scientific name
- Anas platyrhynchos
- Group
- Water birds
- Main color
- Green
- Conservation (IUCN)
- Least concern
Size and shape
It is 50–65 cm (20–26 in) long, of which the body makes up around two-thirds, and has a wingspan of 81–98 cm (32–39 in); it weighs 0.7–1.6 kg (1.5–3.5 lb).
Diet
Its diet may vary based on several factors, including the stage of the breeding cycle, short-term variations in available food, nutrient availability, and interspecific and intraspecific competition.
Range and habitat
Also in the east, it ranges to south-eastern and south-western Australia and New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere.
Voice
The female will often call with a sequence of 2–10 quacks in a row, starting loud and with the volume gradually decreasing.
More photos
Mallard FAQ
How big is the Mallard?
It is 50–65 cm (20–26 in) long, of which the body makes up around two-thirds, and has a wingspan of 81–98 cm (32–39 in); it weighs 0.7–1.6 kg (1.5–3.5 lb).
What does the Mallard eat?
Its diet may vary based on several factors, including the stage of the breeding cycle, short-term variations in available food, nutrient availability, and interspecific and intraspecific competition.
How do I identify a Mallard?
Males have a glossy green head and white neck ring; females are mottled brown with an orange bill.
Where does the Mallard live?
Also in the east, it ranges to south-eastern and south-western Australia and New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere.
Is the Mallard endangered?
No. The IUCN Red List rates the Mallard as least concern (status read from Wikidata).
Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Mallard (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.