Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Explore the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) species record in The Ark Is Earth, including classification, habitat, distribution, conservation information, and sources.

Summary

The Mallard is a widespread dabbling duck found in wetlands, ponds, lakes, and rivers across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. It feeds by tipping forward to sift aquatic plants and invertebrates from shallow water. Mallards disperse seeds and support wetland food webs, but hybridization with domestic ducks can affect some local duck populations.

Classification in this archive

Animals › Chordates › Birds › Anseriformes › Anatidae › Anas

Habitat and distribution

Regions in this record: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania

Demonstration note

[DEMO] Most domestic duck breeds descend primarily from the mallard.