What is the Difference Between Mallard and Duck?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Mallards and ducks are often assumed to be the same, but they have some key differences. Mallards are a specific type of duck, and there are over 120 different species of ducks. Here are some key differences between mallards and ducks in general:
- Classification: Mallards are a type of dabbling duck, while ducks are a common name for several species of waterfowl belonging to the biological family Anatidae.
- Appearance: Mallards have specific coloration, with males having a bright green head and females having a dabbled brown coloration. Ducks, on the other hand, can have various colors and patterns depending on the species.
- Breeding: Mallards form pairs during spring, with courtship happening in winter and pairing during autumn. Some duck species form pair bonds that last numerous years, while others have more short-term relationships.
- Movement: Mallards are actively foraging animals with gregarious feeding habits, while ducks as a whole include many types of feeders, including filter feeders and others.
- Habitat: Both mallards and ducks are attracted to bodies of water with aquatic vegetation, but mallards are migratory birds that occur year-round across much of the United States, while some duck species are non-migratory.
In summary, mallards are a specific type of duck with distinct characteristics, such as their coloration, breeding habits, and feeding behaviors. While there are many similarities between mallards and other ducks, these differences help distinguish them from one another.
Comparative Table: Mallard vs Duck
Here is a table comparing the differences between mallards and ducks in general:
| Feature | Mallard | Duck (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Mallards are classified as a type of duck, specifically a dabbling duck. | Duck is a general term that encompasses various types, including dabblers like mallards and diving ducks such as bufflehead and mergansers. |
| Domestic Breeds | The Mallard is the ancestor of nearly all domestic duck breeds, except for the Muscovy Duck. | Not all ducks are domesticated or related to Mallards. |
| Hybridization | Mallards are known to hybridize with American Black Duck, Mottled Duck, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Cinnamon Teal, Green-winged Teal, and Canvasback. | Some duck species may not hybridize with Mallards or other duck species. |
| Monogamy | Mallard pairs are generally monogamous, although males may pursue other females. | Monogamy is not guaranteed in all duck species. |
| Reproduction | Only the female mallard incubates the eggs and takes care of the ducklings. | Reproductive roles may vary among different duck species. |
Keep in mind that a mallard is a specific type of duck, and not all ducks exhibit the same characteristics or behaviors as mallards.
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