The Mallard duck is one of the most familiar and widespread ducks in the UK, known for its adaptability and presence in both urban and rural environments. This highly adaptable species is often found in ponds, lakes, rivers, and even city parks, making it a common sight for many people. Mallards are known for their distinctive plumage, particularly the males, and their diverse range of vocalisations.

How to Identify a Mallard Duck:

• Head (Male): The male has an iridescent green head and neck with a narrow white collar.
• Head (Female): The female has a mottled brown head, blending with her body plumage.
• Body (Male): The body features a chestnut-brown breast and greyish body. The rump is black, and there is a distinctive curled black feather on the tail.
• Body (Female): The female’s body is mottled brown with lighter and darker patches providing camouflage.
• Beak (Male): The beak is yellow.
• Beak (Female): The beak is orange-brown with darker markings.
• Wings: Both sexes have a blue speculum bordered with white, visible in flight and at rest.
• Legs: The legs are orange in both males and females.

Description and Statistics:

• Size: 50-60cm in length.
• Wingspan: 81-98cm.
• Weight: 0.72-1.58kg.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males (drakes) are brightly coloured with a green head, while females (hens) are more subdued in brown mottled plumage. Males also have a distinctive curled tail feather.

Breeding, Nesting and Rearing Habits:

• Mallards are usually monogamous for the breeding season, but pairs typically do not stay together for life.
• They nest on the ground, often in dense vegetation near water, but can also be found nesting in more unusual places such as tree holes or even in urban areas.
• The female lays a clutch of 8-13 eggs, which she incubates alone for about 28 days.
• Ducklings are precocial and leave the nest within hours of hatching, following the mother to water where they start feeding on their own with her guidance.

The Mallard Duck in the UK:

Mallards are native to the UK and have established themselves as a common resident. Their ability to adapt to various habitats and food sources has enabled them to thrive in both natural and man-made environments. While they are native, the population has been bolstered by escapes from domestic collections and introductions from other regions.

Sources:

• The RSPB: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/mallard/
• The British Trust for Ornithology: https://www.bto.org/understanding-birds/birdfacts/mallard