How Do You Identify A Female Mallard Duck?
The ability to determine gender and species of waterfowl depends on a few key characteristics. Whether a hunter, tracker or a casual nature observer, the ability to distinguish the mallard from other species present will prove useful in your pursuits. Make sure mallards are a breed that is present in the area. Mallards spend summers in sub tropical or temperate areas, such as the northern U.S. states or the southern Canadian provinces. In the winters the mallard migrates south, sometimes as far as South America or the Caribbean. If your location agrees with these known patterns, continue with further identification. Observe the duck’s behavior. Mallards engage in “dabbling,” meaning they graze for their feed on the surface or just under the surface of the water. A mallard won’t engage in diving behavior or foraging or eating on land. If your subject is dabbling, odds are good that it is a mallard. Determine the duck’s markings. All mallards have a mark called a speculum to the rear of
