Breeding males have a glossy green head, white neck ring, and chestnut breast.

Females are mottled brown, often with an orange-and-dark bill.

Both sexes have a blue-purple wing patch bordered with white.

Look beyond the green head

A breeding male has a yellow bill, white neck ring, chestnut breast, and gray sides. Females are mottled brown. Both sexes carry a blue wing patch framed by white, although folded wings can conceal it. ^[1]

A familiar bird can change its appearance

After breeding, a male becomes browner and less conspicuous. Trace amounts of green and the tail pattern may help. Study several views rather than identifying sex or species from body color alone. ^[1]

Hidden on land, followed by a trip to water

The female shapes a shallow nest, draws nearby vegetation around it, and adds down. Incubation lasts about 23–30 days. Alert, down-covered ducklings can be ready to leave within the first day after hatching. Give a moving family an unobstructed route. ^[2]

Pairs often form in autumn, long before nesting. The female incubates and cares for the ducklings rather than sharing those duties with the male. ^[3]

The familiar quack is female

The loud quack most people associate with ducks is the female's voice. Males give a much softer, raspy sound. Listen to individuals rather than assuming the whole flock sounds alike. ^[3]

A temporary pause in flight

Replacing the flight feathers together leaves Mallards unable to fly for roughly 3–4 weeks. They become secretive during this vulnerable molt; a resting flock may need more space than usual. ^[1]

Domestic ancestry complicates pond identification

Nearly all domestic duck breeds descend from Mallards; Muscovy Ducks are the main exception. Unusual white patches, body shapes, or crests on a park duck may reflect domestic ancestry rather than a rare wild species. ^[3]