The mallard is the world’s most familiar duck, found on ponds and wetlands across much of the planet. It is highly adaptable and lives comfortably alongside people.
Interesting facts
- The mallard is the ancestor of most domestic duck breeds.
- Only females give the classic loud ‘quack’.
- Males have a glossy green head and a white neck ring.
- Mallards are dabbling ducks, feeding by tipping head-down in shallow water.
- Their hybridisation with other ducks threatens some native species, such as New Zealand’s grey duck.
- Ducklings leave the nest within a day of hatching.
Behaviour
Mallards feed by dabbling and grazing and form flocks outside the breeding season. Many northern birds migrate south for the winter.
Breeding and young
Females build nests on the ground near water and lay about 8 to 13 eggs, incubating them alone for about four weeks.
Threats and conservation
The species is abundant. Local threats include hunting, lead poisoning and avian influenza.
Where to see it
- Park ponds and rivers almost anywhere
- Wetlands across Europe, Asia and North America
- City canals and lakes
- Avoid feeding bread, which is poor food for ducks
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
