Time for a Swim

In the next installment of the Bird Bonanza, we’re heading down to the water to meet the Mallard Duck. Common throughout almost all of North America, these beautiful birds are a joy to observe. And their loud call (females only) will get your attention. It’s not hard to see why the Mallard duck is so popular.

A Herd Mentality

Usually, in flocks, they are excellent swimmers making their homes near water where they spend much of their time. However, if you can watch them on land, they have the “herd mentality”! A nearby flock of Mallard ducks in our neighborhood stop by for an occasional meal in the late afternoon. They arrive in single file, following their chosen leader. Once finished, they depart in the same way unless they take flight. 

Beautiful Birds

The male’s appearance includes rich hues of emerald green, chocolate brown, soft taupe, black, a touch of sapphire blue, a bright yellow bill, and distinct bright orange legs and feet. Unlike their male counterparts, the female’s colors are more muted but present a beautiful display when touched by the sun. 

The cutie in the portrait photo climbed up on the pier where I was sitting and proceeded to put on quite a show, coming within just a few feet from me, seemingly undeterred by my presence. This Mallard duck was so much fun to photograph, making it one of my all time favorite photo shoots.

Did You Know:

• ¹The Mallard is the ancestor of nearly all domestic duck breeds (everything except the Muscovy Duck). Domestic ducks can be common in city ponds and can be confusing to identify—they may lack the white neck ring, show white on the chest, be all dark, or show oddly shaped crests on the head.
• The widespread Mallard duck has given rise to a number of populations around the world that have changed enough that they are considered separate species. The Mexican Duck of central Mexico and the extreme southwestern United States and the Hawaiian Duck both are closely related to the Mallard, and in both forms the male is dull like the female. Both have been given full species status.

Fun Facts:

• Ducks are strong fliers; migrating flocks of Mallards have been estimated traveling at 55 miles per hour.
• The oldest known Mallard was a male, and at least 27 years, 7 months old when he was shot in Arkansas in 2008. He had been banded in Louisiana in 1981.

1. All of the above facts are provided by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. They are one of the leading bird experts worldwide. ↩︎