Skip to main content
Global Animal Guide

Where Do Mallards Live?

Quick answer

Mallards are native to Africa and Asia and Europe and North America and Oceania and South America. Mallard native across Eurasia and North America; introduced to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America.

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review

Native range

Mallard native across Eurasia and North America; introduced to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America.

Continents and countries

Mallards occur across Africa and Asia and Europe and North America and Oceania and South America. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.

Habitat types

Ponds, rivers, marshes, and parks worldwide provide shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.

Range changes

Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where mallards persist today.

FAQs

Where do mallards live in the wild?

Mallard native across Eurasia and North America; introduced to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and South America.

What do mallards eat?

They feed on omnivore — plants, seeds, invertebrates, and grain, varying by season and local habitat.

Are mallards endangered?

Mallards are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

How big is a mallard?

Adults weigh about 1.2 kg and reach roughly 0.6 m long.

Sources

← Back to Mallard guide