Mallard

The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is a widely recognized and colorful duck belonging to the family Anatidae. It is easily identified by its distinctive plumage: males (drakes) have an iridescent green head, white neck ring, chestnut-brown chest, and gray body, while females (hens) are mottled brown with an orange bill marked with black. Both sexes display a blue patch, bordered by white, on their wings, visible in flight or at rest. The BTO code for the Mallard is MA.

Mallards are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and even urban parks. They are highly adaptable and often seen dabbling in shallow water or foraging on land. Mallards are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, seeds, insects, crustaceans, and small fish. 

Mallards breed from March to July. Females build their nests on the ground, often concealed in dense vegetation near water, but they may also nest in more unusual locations, such as gardens or rooftops. Clutches typically consist of 9-13 creamy-white to pale-green eggs, which are incubated by the female alone for 26-28 days. Once hatched, the ducklings are precocial and leave the nest soon after birth, following the female to water. They fledge after 50-60 days, and females may occasionally raise a second brood. The Mallard is the most common duck in the UK, with an estimated population of 61,000-146,000 breeding pairs and up to 710,000 individuals during winter, including migratory birds from northern Europe. While the species is widespread and abundant, localized declines have been observed due to habitat loss, predation, and pollution.

The Mallard is listed as Amber on the Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) 5 due to its population declines in some areas. It is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to intentionally harm or destroy their nests/eggs/chicks. Mallards face threats from habitat degradation, water pollution, and competition or hybridization with domestic and feral ducks, which can dilute the genetic integrity of wild populations. Conservation efforts for Mallards focus on protecting and enhancing wetland habitats, improving water quality, and managing urban areas to reduce pollution and human disturbance. The creation and restoration of ponds, marshes, and other water bodies benefit Mallards and other wetland species. Public education about responsible feeding practices, such as avoiding bread, also helps maintain the health of Mallard populations. Supporting sustainable land and water management practices ensures that suitable habitats are available for this iconic duck species.