ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Mallard

 Mallard

mallard

Puddle ducks are typically birds of fresh, shallow marshes and rivers rather than of large lakes and bays. They are good divers, but usually feed by dabbling or tipping rather than by submerging. Any duck feeding in croplands will likely be a puddle duck, for most of this group are surefooted and can walk and run well on land. Their diet consists of mostly vegetables.

Often referred to as the "greenhead," the mallard has the most extensive breeding range of any duck in North America. Most domestic ducks such as the white ducks found on farms and at many public parks derive their origin from the mallard.

Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos

At-a-Glance

• Type: Puddle Duck

• Mating: Polygamous

• Peak of Breeding Activity: April-May

• Incubation Period: 24-28 days

• Young Hatch: May-June

• Number of Eggs: 8-12

• Eggs Produced: Once a year, but they will renest if a nest is destroyed

• Migration Patterns: Can be seen year round in Ohio; however, they are not the same birds throughout the year. Winter residents have migrated south to Ohio from locations farther north.

• Feeding Periods: During the day

• Typical Foods: Smartweed, rice, lawn clippings, coontail, wild millet, bulrush, burweed, aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and crustaceans


Description
The mallard is a large duck with a stocky body. It is readily identified by its highly iridescent speculum, or wing patch, that is bordered with black and white stripes. It has a whitish tail extending from a glossy black rump; its tail feathers curl up at the tip of the tail. The body is a mixture of chestnut brown and gray feathers. Its bill is yellow and feet are orange. In flight, there is a flash of white in its underwings. As with most ducks, the female of this species has a drab appearance compared to the male. The female mallard is a uniform light brown, but has the distinctive speculum identical to the male.

Habitat and Habits
Most mallards occupy extensive wetlands; however, they are very adaptable and can be found wherever their basic requirements of food, a permanent body of water, and cover are met. It is not uncommon to find mallards inhabiting small farm ponds, ditches with water flowing between cultivated fields, streams, and lakes, and ponds in urban areas. The only aquatic habitats they tend to avoid are small fast flowing streams.

The mallard is a dabbling duck as opposed to a diving duck. Dabblers tip their head below the water's surface to feed. Divers take their entire body below water to feed.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Mallard ducklings are precocial, and are dependent on the hen mallard for their care and rearing. After the ducklings have hatched and are dry (within 12 hours) the hen will lead them to water. Mallards can fly at 52 to 60 days old.