For many people, the image of the male Mallard is what springs immediately to mind upon hearing the word “duck.” Indeed, Mallards are the most familiar duck species in the world, and also have one of the widest world distributions. The Mallard has been closely linked to humans throughout the ages; it is the genetic source of most domesticated duck varieties, and has always been an important game bird. The Mallard shows great adaptability, co-existing with humans in both urban and rural settings, often in a semi-feral state. The species is currently faring well in North America, with numbers increasing.

Common to abundant across most of its range, the Mallard breeds across much of North America, excluding only the most northeastern and southern regions. Nearly all truly wild populations are thought to be migratory, wintering as far south as the Gulf Coast and across much of northern Mexico. Globally, Mallards are found across the entire northern hemisphere, and have been introduced to parts of the southern hemisphere, including Australia and New Zealand.

Populations are currently stable. The species expanded its range eastward in the 20^th century, and has become a firmly established breeder across the northeast. This expansion was aided in part by the regular release of birds over the early part of the century.

The Mallard is a very popular game bird in North America. With millions taken annually in North America alone, responsible and sustainable hunting practices are crucial. Like many duck species, Mallards are dependent upon the existence of healthy coastal wetlands in winter, and safe, unpolluted wetlands and waterways year round.

Remain aware of local, regional, and federal land management decisions, particularly those that affect our wetlands.

 

Contact your legislators in support of wise land management initiatives, such as wetland restoration along the Gulf Coast, and implementation of The North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

Ducks Unlimited maintains important information on many current issues affecting North American waterfowl: http://www.ducks.org/conservation/index.asp

Drilling, N., Titman, R., and F. McKinney. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). InThe Birds of North America, No. 658 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

 

Kortright, Francis H. The Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America. The American Wildlife Institute, Washington D.C., 1943.