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.

Specs

Length51-66cm
Weight1-1.4kg
Wingspan81-102cm

Common Names

GermanStockente
EnglishMallard
FrenchCanard colvert
SpanishÁnade real

Taxonomy

OrderAnseriformes
FamilyAnatidae
SpeciesAnas platyrhynchos

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.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) - Parc Bernard-Landry - 2022-05-25
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) - Parc Île-de-la-Visitation - 2020-05-25
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) - Parc des Rapides - 2019-03-16
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) - Pippy Park - 2017-08-15
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) - Parc Mont-Royal - 2015-05-03

Where and 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 x x x -
Parc Angrignon x x x x
Parc Bernard-Landry x x x -
Parc Michel-Chartrand x - - x
Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies x - - -
Parc de la Frayère x - - x
Parc des Rapides x x x -
Parc Île-de-la-Visitation x - - -

Where and when a species has been observed, identified, and recorded.


Last updated on 2024-03-14. 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.