Distribution and Habitat

An introduced species, mostly found in city parks and gardens, the Mallard occasionally occurs in the wild. In Australia, the species is considered undesirable as it hybridises and competes for habitat with the native Black Duck.

Status

The Mallard is an introduced species and is not protected anywhere in Australia.

Description

In flight, the male has dark foreparts and undertail, a white breast and white underwings. The female has white underwings and a paler belly than the Black Duck. Both sexes have two white bars on the upperwing.

On the water, the Mallard is a medium-sized duck. The male has a greyish body, dark head, neck and chest, while the female has a much less distinct face stripe than the Black Duck. Both sexes have a whitish tail.

In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage, the male is similar to female but has a dull-green bill and may have traces of green on the head and chestnut on the breast.

Voice

The female has a loud raucous quack, similar to the Black Duck.