Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Taxonomy:
Species=
platyrhynchos
Genus= Anas
Family= Anatidae
Order= Anseriformes
Common Names: Duck
Habitat Preference: The edge of rivers, ponds, lacks, and streams. Mallards need a habitat with shallow water for feeding. In the winter sometimes mallards can be found by the marsh or bay.
Geographical Distribution: Throughout North America expect in northern Quebec. In the winter time migratory birds fly to the Southeast United States and the coasts of Mexico. Often these ducks breed in the Great Lakes.
Identifying Characteristics: About 15 inches, with some getting as long as 28 inches. The approximate wingspan is 36 inches. The wings have a silvery white lining, and the duck usually has a yellow to orange bill. Colors among the ducks vary, the females often browner and duller in color than the males. The adult male alternate is pictured above.
Biogeographic Facts: The mallard is the most common duck. It is abundant in both North America and Europe, where it can be found almost everywhere.
Miscellaneous Facts: Many ducks die each year from lead poisoning.
"Liter" size is usually 7-10 eggs, they incubate for about 28 days, and then when the ducklings hatch they follow their mother around for up to two months.
Food: Grass seeds and other aquatic vegetation. Sometimes small insects, tadpoles, or fish. Mallard's have also adapted to human food, often times bread.
Mallard's distribution covers Virginia, as seen below
(This was the same map used for the Red Maple though it portrays the same information)
Map Source: http://plants.usda.gov/
Mallard
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European Distribution
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http://www.birdguides.com
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