Mallard
Species Information
Manfred Schulenburg [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
Statistics
Scientific name: Anas platyrhynchos
Length:Â 55-62cm
Wingspan:Â 90cm
Weight:Â 970g-1.2kg
Average lifespan:Â 3 yearsÂ
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Amber under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: The Red List for Birds (2015). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.
When to see
January to December
About
The mallard is the most recognisable of all the dabbling ducks, found right across Europe, Asia and North America. Mallards are a common sight on our rivers, as well as in local parks and ponds, and are often very tame, being fed by the public regularly.
How to identify
 The breeding plumage of the male mallard includes a shiny green head, maroon-brown chest, yellow bill and curly black feathers just above the tail. Female mallards are brown and mottled in comparison.
Did you know ?
The mallard is the ancestor of most domesticated, farmyard ducks. Male and female mallards looks so different that they were originally thought to be different species!
How you can help?
Did you know you can help wildlife in your local river ? You can do this in many ways from reporting pollution to SEPA, by not flushing wet wipes down the toilet and even at one of our many conservation volunteer days. Check out our Get Involved page for more information on how you can get involved with your local river.