Probably the best known of all ducks, the Mallard is a dabbling duck which breeds throughout the temperate and sub-tropical areas of North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Mallards are strongly migratory in the northern parts of its breeding range, and winters farther south.
The Mallard inhabits most wetlands, including parks, small ponds and rivers, and usually feeds by dabbling for plant food or grazing. It usually nests on a river bank, but not always near water. It is highly gregarious outside of the breeding season and will form large flocks.
