Mallard

Scientific name

Anas platyrhynchos

about the species

The mallard is most common duck species in the world and one of three ducks found year-round in Missouri. The drake (male) is known for its iconic green head and white collar, while the hen (female) is a much plainer brown. Like other dabbling duck native to the area, mallards have a bright, iridescent patch on their wing called the speculum.

conservation status

Least concern

How we’re studying this species

In Forest Park, you can find mallards along any shoreline any time of the year. They are currently being observed alongside other waterbirds as a part of our waterbird community ecology project. We also have put GPS tags on three mallards in the park, one female and two males.