Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos is an introduced dabbling duck widespread in New Zealand. It differs from grey duck through the male’s green head and, in typical birds, paler bordered wing speculum. Breeding males have a green head, white neck-ring and chestnut breast. Females are mottled brown, but extensive hybridisation creates many intermediate birds.

Mallards occur throughout the main islands and on several outlying island groups. They use almost every kind of freshwater and sheltered coastal wetland. They dabble for seeds, aquatic plants and invertebrates and readily take human food. Pairs form seasonally, and females raise the young alone.

New Zealand classifies the mallard as Introduced. They are easy to see at Western Springs in Auckland and Christchurch Botanic Gardens.