Mallard duck in flight over frozen Loch Morlich Scottish Highlands Cairngorms National Park SCO 2099
The Mallard inhabits most wetlands, including parks, small ponds and rivers, and usually feeds by dabbling for plant food or grazing; there are reports of it eating frogs. 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, which are known as a sordThe Mallard is 56–65 cm long, has a wingspan of 81–98 cm, and weighs 2-2 1/2 pounds. The breeding male is unmistakable, with a green head, black rear end and a yellowish orange bill tipped with black (as opposed to the dark brown bill in females). The female Mallard is light brown, like most female dabbling ducks. However, both the female and male Mallards have distinct purple speculum edged with white, prominent in flight or at rest (though temporarily shedded during the annual summer molt). In non-breeding (eclipse) plumage the drake becomes drab, looking more like the female, but still distinguishable by its yellow bill and reddish breast. SCO 2099
Size: 5216px × 3687px
Location: Loch Morlich Glenmore Aviemore Highland Scotland UK
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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