The mallard may have been the first domesticated bird, and from it have sprung all domestic duck breeds except the barnyard muscovy. The male, or drake, is easily recognized by his dark-green head, the narrow white ring around his neck, and the dark chestnut breast. His rump is black, the outer tail feathers white, the underparts whitish, the sides gray, and the back brownish. The male's bill is yellow, his legs and feet are orange-red. The female's bill is orange with dark spots, her feet orange.
Mallards are among the most vocal of waterfowl.
The hen makes a variety of quacks. The drake utters reedy quacking sounds and, during mating season, a sharp single or double-noted whistle. The mallard's broad wings and relatively short tail may create the impression that the wings are set farther back than on most ducks. Mallards are swift fliers and excellent swimmers. They may feed and rest in the company of other puddle ducks, including northern pintails and black ducks.