Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

You’ll probably have no trouble recognizing this duck on a walk through the reserve. The ancestor of nearly every breed of domestic duck is as common at the lagoon as it is on a pond in a city park. But in winter, when throngs of other ducks descend on the lagoon to feed, Mallards can disappear into the crowd. Look for the male’s green head and curling tail feathers and the brown female’s orange bill.

Fun Fact:
Only female Mallards make the quacking sound we've come to associate with ducks. Male Mallards make a softer, rasping noise.

What’s for Lunch:
Aquatic plants

Where’s Home:
In the lagoon, year-round