Mallards are undoubtedly the most recognized waterfowl in the world. They have a typical duck body with an iridescent blue patch on the wings in both sexes. On males the notable characteristics are the green iridescent feathers on the head and neck and curled black feathers on the tail. Females are uniformly a speckled brown color. The male duck's bill is yellow, while the female's bill is orange with black markings. Both males and females have orange legs, webbed feet, and dark colored eyes.
Average length: 48.0 cm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: male more colorful
Average mass: 1048.1 g.
Average basal metabolic rate: 4.068 W.
Rights Holder: The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
Bibliographic Citation: . "Anas platyrhynchos" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed September 16, 2012 at
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