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Domestic Duck (Mallard)​

Domestic Duck (Mallard)

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Common Name: Domestic Duck (Mallard)
​
Scientific Name: Anas platyrhynchos domesticus[1]

Physical Description: A subspecies of the mallard that was domesticated by humans, the Domestic Duck (Mallard), was bred for selective traits including white within its feathers. The wild-type Domestic Duck (Mallard) male has a vibrant green head, brown breast, and a silver body and wings, with hints of brown in it. The wings also hold a bright blue-purple patch on their speculum, a region on their secondary feathers. The wild-type Domestic Duck (Mallard) female has a light tan head, and a darker tan and brown body with white highlights. They also have a purple-blue patch on their speculum. The Domestic Duck (Mallard) has been bred to increase the levels of white within the feathers, with some almost entirely white[2]. Their webbed feet serve as a paddle to help propel them through the water, and their wide, flat beak helps to scoop food up from the water when feeding in water.

Habitat: The Domestic Duck (Mallard) lives in both permanent and seasonal, or vernal, wetlands including ponds, streams, floodplains, rice fields, marshes, and estuaries. They will typically nest on dryland; however, they will occasionally nest on floating vegetation within a wetland[3].

Range: North America, Europe, and Asia

Diet: Seeds, aquatic vegetation, insects, snails, grain, freshwater shrimp

Life Span: 5-10 years

Social Structure: Domestic Ducks (Mallards) flock together and congregate for safety and during the breeding season.

Status: Not Applicable

Other: The Domestic Duck (Mallard) is a common ornamental species in parks and public settings, as well as in private home settings and farms.

 


[1] https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22680186/166199836
[2] https://www.birds.cornell.edu/crows/domducks.htm
[3] https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mallard/lifehistory
​

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​Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to acquainting a diverse public to the delicate balance that exists between living things and their environment.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a 501(c)(3) not for profit owned and operated by the Connecticut Zoological Society.

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© 2022 Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
  • Home
  • About
    • Blog
    • Contact Us
    • Jobs
    • Press
  • Guest Info
    • Accessibility
    • Calendar
    • COVID Guidelines
    • For Kids >
      • Coloring Pages
      • Zoo Patrol
      • Zoo Tots
    • Our Animals >
      • Eastern Rat Snake
    • Our Plants
    • Parents
    • Zoo Cams >
      • Outdoor Red Panda Cam
      • Indoor Red Panda Cam
      • Outdoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Indoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Otter Cam
    • Zoo Etiquette
    • Zoo Map
  • Membership
  • Education
    • Citizen Science >
      • FrogWatch
      • MonarchWatch
    • Conservation >
      • City Nature Challenge
      • Conservation Pledge
    • Cool Blue >
      • Cool Blue Schools
    • Programs
    • Educational Resources
    • Evening Lectures
    • Field Trips
    • Just 4 Teens >
      • CDC
      • Explorers
    • Teachers
  • Support
    • Animal Sponsorship
    • Appeal
    • Corporate Support
    • Donate
    • Events
    • Gift Guide
    • Honor & Remember
    • Monthly Giving
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Wish List
  • Parties, Rentals & Weddings
    • Birthdays
    • Private Events
    • Weddings
    • Rates and Details
    • Preferred Vendors
    • Preferred Wedding Vendors
    • Event Guidelines
  • Volunteer
    • Interns
  • En Espanol
  • Buy Tickets