mallard

A pair of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). These ducks are common throughout Europe, northern areas of North America, and most of Asia. The drake (male) has distinctive metallic head plumage of green and purple feathers, whilst the hen (female) is a duller yellowish-brown.

Common wild duck from which domestic ducks were bred, found almost worldwide. The male can grow to a length of 60 cm/2 ft and usually has a glossy green head, white collar, and chestnut brown breast with a pale grey body, while the female is mottled brown. Mallards are omnivorous dabbling ducks. (Species Anas platyrhynchos, subfamily Anatinae, order Anseriformes.)