Mallard

The mallard (/ˈmælɑːrd, ˈmælərd/) or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is the best-known and most recognizable of all ducks. It can be found throughout most of North America, Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. It is the most common and widespread duck. It can be found in almost any area with a wetland habitat, even in urban areas.

 Description 
The mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It has a body and a long and a broad bill. The male has a dark green head, a yellow bill, is mainly purple-brown on the breast and grey on the body. The female is mainly brown with an orange bill. The males (drakes) have green heads, while the females (hens) have mainly brown-speckled plumage. Both have an area of white-bordered black or iridescent purple or blue feathers called a speculum on their wings; males especially tend to have blue speculum feathers. The mallard is  long, of which the body makes up around two-thirds the length. The wingspan is  and the bill is  long. It is often slightly heavier than most other dabbling ducks, weighing .

 Habitat 
It breeds in all parts of the Europe in summer and winter, wherever there are suitable wetland habitats, even arctic tundras. It is scarcer in upland areas.

Category:Ducks