The Mallard: The Wild Heart of Every Duck Pond Few birds are as instantly recognisable across Britain as the Mallard, known scientifically as Anas platyrhynchos. From quiet country ponds to city canals, windswept estuaries to ornamental park lakes, the mallard is the archetypal duck — adaptable, resilient and woven into everyday British life. Though often taken for granted, the mallard is a remarkable wild species with a long natural history and an important ecological role. Identification and Appearance The mallard is a medium-to-large dabbling duck, measuring around 40–60 cm in length with a wingspan of roughly 80–95 cm. Adult Male (Drake) • Glossy emerald-green head • Bright yellow bill • White neck ring • Chestnut-brown chest • Grey body • Curled black tail feathers Adult Female • Mottled brown plumage for camouflage • Orange-and-brown bill • Subtle facial stripe Both sexes share a distinctive feature visible in flight: a metallic blue wing patch (speculum) bordered by white....
An Intimate Guide to British Wildlife