The mallard nests in all parts of North Dakota where suitable parts wetland habitats exist. It breeds over much of North America from Alaska to New York State to California. Mallards also are found in some parts of northern Europe and Asia.
Mallards are highly adaptable and can be found in prairie, forested, and urban environments.
The green head and white collar are distinguishing marks of the drake mallard in the spring. A chestnut vest and curled black feathers over the white tail adds to its handsome appearance. The hen is buff or light brown and the feathers are streaked with darker brown. Adult males lose their bright breeding plumage by the end of July and take on an eclipse plumage similar to that of the females. In fall and early winter male mallards again assume the same colorful plumage that they have in the spring.