Mallard is one of the most common wild ducks. It lives in shallow wetlands in many parts of the world. It also inhabits areas near people, such as city parks. Mallards grow 20 to 28 inches (51 to 71 centimeters) long. In the breeding season, the male possesses striking colors, including a glossy green head, a white neck ring, a chestnut breast, and black feathers on part of the tail. The female has duller, brownish feathers that camouflage her while on her nest. The male loses his bright-colored feathers after mating and becomes similar in appearance to the female. He later replaces his mating feathers.
During warmer months, mallards nest chiefly in ponds and other prairie wetland habitats. They migrate to warmer climates in winter. Most mallards nest on the ground. The females usually lay 8 to 12 eggs. The males flock together after the eggs are laid, and the young are cared for by the females alone. Mallards feed chiefly on small water animals, such as insects, snails, and crustaceans, during early summer. They eat mainly seeds and plants the rest of the year.
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