From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's online digital media library. Check http://images.fws.gov/ for higher quality version. Metadata Title: Mallard Alternative Title: Anas platyrhynchos Creator: Karney, Lee Source: WO-Lee Karney-8383 Publisher: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Contributor: DIVISION OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS Language: EN - ENGLISH Rights: (public domain) Audience: (general) Subject: Karney, Waterfowl, Duck, Ducks, Drake Description Table Of Contents: The world's best known duck, the mallard breeds across the Northern Hemisphere and has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. When startled, mallards launch into flight with an almost vetical leap from the surface. The mallard nest is usually built in grass or reeds within a hundred yards of water. Date Available: April 07 2004 Issued: April 06 2004 Modified: April 08 2004

Mallard Duck - Anas platyrhynchos
The mallard or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a dabbling duck that breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. Anas platyrhynchos belongs to the subfamily Anatinae of the waterfowl family Anatidae.