Names

Persian Name:   Morghabi-e Sarsabz (Mallard)

Arabic Name:   Al-Batt Al-Barri Al-Akhdar Al-Ra’s / Al-Batt Al-Mallard

English Name:   Mallard

Scientific Name:    Anas platyrhynchos

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Habitat

The mallard is one of the most widespread duck species in the world. It can be found in aquatic habitats such as wetlands, ponds, rivers, lakes, and even urban shores. This bird lives across large parts of Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. Due to its adaptability, it is frequently found even in city parks and public gardens. In Iran, the mallard is mostly seen in the north and west, inhabiting wetlands and lakes

Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, the mallard is classified as Least Concern (LC) and its global population is stable. However, the destruction of habitats and water pollution can pose serious threats in certain regions

Diet

The mallard is an omnivorous bird. Its diet includes seeds, aquatic plants, insects, mollusks, grains, and even small amphibians. It often feeds by foraging on the bottom of water bodies or among dense vegetation

Threats

The main threats to this species include the destruction of aquatic habitats, drying of wetlands due to climate change, water pollution especially by pesticides and industrial waste, overhunting, the introduction of invasive species, and avian diseases. Natural predators include foxes, weasels, birds of prey, and large turtles, but the primary modern threat is human activity

Incubation period:   26 to 30 days

Number of eggs:   Usually 8 to 13 eggs

Age of maturity:   9 to 12 months

Lifespan:   On average 5–10 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity

Body length:   50–65 cm

Height:   About 50 cm

Body weight:   0.7 to 1.6 kg

Interesting Facts

The mallard is the ancestor of most domestic duck breeds that are raised around the world today

Males have shiny green heads; however, outside of the breeding season, their plumage can turn brownish (a phenomenon called “eclipse plumage”)

Introduction

The mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos ) is a member of the Anatidae family and is one of the world’s most common ducks. Recognizable by the male’s bright green head, brownish-grey body, and the characteristic “quack” sound, the mallard is often seen near calm, freshwater areas. Their collective flights create beautiful spectacles in nature

Mallards are highly adaptable and can inhabit urban, rural, and human-influenced environments. Due to this adaptability and frequent contact with humans, the mallard is an important species for scientific research and domestic breeding, serving as the ancestor for most domestic ducks

Besides playing a significant role in the food chain and ecological balance of wetlands, the mallard is considered a biological indicator of aquatic ecosystem health. Behavior such as water filtration and hidden nesting help it survive predators and harsh conditions. Although abundant, the conservation of wetland habitats is essential for its long-term survival