Animal Profiles
Birds

Duck

Anatidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Ducks are waterbirds with many different feeding habits. This account describes the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), a familiar dabbling duck of ponds, marshes and other shallow waters.

Anas platyrhynchos (duck)

Representative species: Anas platyrhynchos.

This picture was realized by Richard Bartz by using a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Habitat
Wetlands, Rivers and lakes, Coast
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Plants, seeds and small invertebrates.

Classification

Common name
Duck
Browse group
Birds
Scientific name or taxon
Anatidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Anseriformes
Family
Anatidae
Source classification
Aves

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Both sexes have a blue wing panel.
  • Some populations migrate while others remain resident.
  • Females give the familiar quacking call.

Habitat and range

Mallards are widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, with introduced populations elsewhere. They favour productive wetlands with aquatic plants and invertebrates and also use farmland and urban ponds.

Appearance and adaptations

A breeding male has a glossy green head and curled tail feathers. Females are mottled brown. Both sexes show a blue wing panel bordered by pale feathers.

Diet and behaviour

Mallards eat aquatic vegetation, seeds and small animals, including insects and snails. Many migrate after breeding, while others remain where winter food and open water are available. Females give the familiar loud quacking call.

Sources

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