Male. Taken at Radley Lakes, Oxon., on January 11th 2021 (© David Hastings)
(1/250th sec at f7.1. Click image for larger version)
Female. Taken at Standlake Common, Oxon., on April 20th 2023. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f8. Click image for larger version)
Juvenile. Taken at Cannop Ponds, Gloucs, on May 6th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f/11. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 50 - 60 cm; WS: 81 - 95 cm

The Mallard is a very common species in the UK and Europe. The male's breeding plumage, with its metallic green head and blue speculum, is distinctive. Adult females are mostly brown; the blue speculum is diagnostic.

It is found throughout the UK, although it is scarcer in upland areas.

It will breed on more or less any sort of body of water, and can use a variery of nest sites.

Many Mallards that breed in Iceland and northern Europe are winter visitors to the UK.

The UK breeding population is between 60000 and 146000 pairs. It has amber status on the UK list.

Sightings