Fauna Flora Photography

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

The most common duck in the parks around Montreal. As most lakes are frozen in winter, Mallards migrate South and are seen less frequently during winter.

Taxonomy

Aves > Anseriformes > Anatidae

Names in different Languages

GermanStockente
EnglishMallard
FrenchCanard colvert
SpanishÁnade real, Ánade azulón

How to Identify

The most common duck species around Montreal. Males can be easily identified because of the greenish color of the head and neck down till the white ring around the neck. Females are more difficult to identify as there are several other species around looking very similar. Watch for the blue patch on the wings. Different to Black duck, the mallard's blue patch is bordered by white stripes.

Where When to Spot

Can be seen in almost every park with lake or slow flowing river during spring, summer and autumn. In winter, when the lakes and rivers are frozen, the Mallard migrated South.

SpringSummerFallWinter
Jardin Botanique de Montréal 4 2 1 0
Parc Angrignon 16 8 2 2
Parc Bernard-Landry 1 1 2 0
Parc Mont-Royal 1 0 0 0
Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies 6 0 0 0
Parc de la Frayère 5 0 0 1
Parc des Rapides 1 1 0 1
Parc Île-de-la-Visitation 2 0 0 0
Pippy Park 0 1 0 0
  36 13 5 4

Number of times a species has been observed, identified, and recorded. A species is reported only once per visit to a park.

Photos of Mallard

Videos of Mallard

You can watch these videos and many more on Muuuh's YouTube Channel.

Last updated on 2023-06-20. Written and regularly updated by Karl-Heinz Müller, Dipl. Natw. ETH, Biology. With 10 years of experience in wildlife photography, Karl-Heinz shares first-hand, on-site collected observations, photos and videos from his frequent visits to parks in the Montreal area.