![](http://www.alamy.com/thumbs/6/B0C8860D-0A90-4511-A7B0-26003CBC1324/BR44KC.jpg)
Mallard duck in flight in the winter during a trail of the 1d mkiv
Latin name Anas platyrhynchos Family Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae) Overview The mallard is a large and heavy looking duck. It has a long body and a long and broad bill. The male has a dark green head, a yellow bill, is mainly purple-brown on the breast and grey on the body. The female is mainly brown with an orange bill. It breeds in all parts of the UK in summer and winter, wherever there are suitable wetland habitats, although it is scarcer in upland areas. Mallards in the UK may be resident breeders or migrants - many of the birds that breed in Iceland and northern Europe spend the winter here. Where to see them It is the commonest duck and most widespread so you have a chance of seeing it just about anywhere where there is suitable wetland habitat, even in urban areas. When to see them All year round.
Size: 5120px × 3083px
Location: Slimbridge Wetlands and Wildlife Reserve in Gloucestershire
Photo credit: © steven flaherty / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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