Mallard  (Anas platyrhynchos)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

Widespread and common throughout Britain, the mallard is absent only from mountainous or very dry areas (3). The native population is supplemented in winter by immigrants from Iceland and Scandinavia, escaping harsh winter weather (3). Outside of Britain, the mallard is found in subtropical and temperate areas throughout the northern hemisphere (6).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

Occurs in almost every type of lowland wetland, including village ponds, lakes, and flood water (5). They tolerate the presence of humans, and are therefore found in parks, and rivers and streams in towns (3).

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