Mallards measure 16 to 24 inches at maturity. The head and neck of the male is glossy green, with a white ring. The female is brown overall with a blue speculum band on the wing. The bill is yellow or orange. The preferred habitat of mallard is shallow ponds, marshes or sheltered salt water in the winter. Mallard commonly put down on any pond where domestic ducks are known to habit.

The most common duck in the world breeds in Europe, Asia and North America. Remarkably adaptable to civilization, it will breed in a city park if there is even a small pond. Mallards usually nest near the water's edge, but occasionally they choose a site on higher ground. When the ducks are agitated, they can leap upward from the water into flight and then almost hover in mid-air before selecting an escape route. Mallards are often seen with just the ends of their tails sticking up out of shallow water as they feed on plants and small animals found at the bottom. They also eat grain and other foods.'s