Quick answer
The mallard is the ancestor of most domestic ducks and the world's most recognisable wild duck, weighing about 1.2 kg and flying 80 km/h. Drakes have iridescent green heads; hens are mottled brown — listed Least Concern on every continent except Antarctica.
Key takeaway
The mallard is the ancestor of most domestic ducks and the world's most recognisable wild duck, weighing about 1.2 kg and flying 80 km/h. Drakes have iridescent green heads; hens are mottled brown — listed Least Concern on every continent except Antarctica.
Mallard overview
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is a bird listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 0.7–1.4 kg (1.5–3.1 lb); drakes slightly larger; lifespan around 5–10 years in the wild.
Mallard ecology
Diet: Omnivore — plants, seeds, invertebrates, and grain. Habitat: Ponds, rivers, marshes, and parks worldwide. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Mallards and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild mallards are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Mallard profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild mallards.
Human interest and research
Mallards feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Sources
Mallard FAQs
What are key facts about mallards?
The mallard is the ancestor of most domestic ducks and the world's most recognisable wild duck, weighing about 1.2 kg and flying 80 km/h. Drakes have iridescent green heads; hens are mottled brown — listed Least Concern on every continent except Antarctica.
What is the scientific name of the mallard?
Anas platyrhynchos — used in research and conservation listings for mallards.
What do mallards eat?
Mallards eat plants, seeds, invertebrates, and grain, with seasonal and regional variation in Ponds, rivers, marshes, and parks worldwide.
Where do mallards live?
They are associated with Ponds, rivers, marshes, and parks worldwide. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of mallards?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.