The name Mallard is derived from the French word maslard which means "wild drake" or mallart, "male duck." Mallards are considered the most common duck in the world. They are found in all parts of the Northern Hemisphere as well as in Europe and Asia.
The Mallard has been domesticated for over 2,500 years. The Romans began the process in Europe as a source of meat and eggs and the Malays started domestication in Asia. All domestic forms of duck, except the Muscovey, are descended from the wild mallard.
Mallards belong to a group known as "Dabblers." They float higher in the water than the "Diving" group. They are able to eat floating vegetation in water and will occasionally "tip-up" to reach food as opposed to diving under water for it. A dabbler ducks' feet are centered under its body and are able to walk much more easily on land than diving ducks.
Mallards are usually about 23 inches in size. The male is highly distinguishable by its irridescent green head and white neck ring. The body or breast area is a chocolate brown with a black rear end and tail coverts. The speculum is dark blue and is often irridescent. The tail is white with curled feathers, known as sex feathers. Their bills are yellowish green and their legs are orange-red. The female, on the otherhand, is mostly brown and has an olive-green bill which is usually spotted.
Mallards live in all types of water but prefer shallow lakes and ponds with an abundance of vegetation and organic matter to feed on. They are extremely adaptable and you can even find them on small ponds, or in backyard pools.
Mallards are easy breeders. They accept any nest area that is available. Their nests are simple and are usually within one hundred feet of the water's edge. They usually breed after mid February depending on the climate. Their clutch usually consists of 7 to 11 eggs which can be white, yellowish, grayish, green, or light green in color. Incubation usually lasts 28 days. Mallards will usually start flying at 7 1/2 weeks and reach sexual maturity when they are a year old. Mallards have been known to live as long as 22 to 29 years in captivity and are a very hardy breed.
Mallards are not monogamous. There is usually a large number of unmated males and sometimes two males will mate with a single female. Although pairs are formed, promiscuity is common and so is rape. The mallard stays in dense groups during courtship and there is always a surplus of males which accounts for their behavior.
The hen is the vocal one in this group. She has a very loud "quack" and drakes are usually quiet; occasionally getting in a word or two.
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