Duck of the Week: Mallard

The mallard is a common fixture in ponds throughout much of the world.

This week’s duck is the lovely mallard. This is a duck that can be found throughout much of the world and is seemingly ubiquitous in every temperate zone pond.

A pair of mallards out for a stroll. Photo by Alexas_Fotos.

A dabbling duck that lives in wetlands, they are known for their identifiable male-female pairs. The male with its green head and the female with barred brown feathers. Both males and females have a blue or purple speculum patch on their wings which can be seen while the mallard is in flight.

Female mallard in flight. Its blue and black speculum can be seen. Photo by Sven Lachmann.

Does your local pond have mallards? How common are they in your region? Regulars to most temperate regions, they have also been transplanted around the world.

A mallard I met at a local park. I suspect the dark markings on its head are scars from run-ins with the gang of geese that patrols the area.

Speaking for myself, they are likely the most common ducks around where I live and I would be surprised not to find a pair of them when visiting a local pond or lake.

And so without hesitation, they are this blog’s Duck of the Week. Thanks for reading!