Mallard

The mallard is a large dabbling duck with a broad bill and a blue or violet wing speculum bordered in white. A breeding male has a glossy green head, narrow white neck ring, chestnut breast, grey body and curled black central tail feathers. Females and eclipse males are mottled brown, but the female's orange-and-black bill helps separate her from several similar ducks. Adults measure roughly 50–65cm with an 81–98cm wingspan. (Wikipedia, mallard account)

Mallards use lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes and sheltered brackish water across much of the Northern Hemisphere. They feed by upending or reaching below the surface for aquatic vegetation, seeds and small animals, and also graze on land. Pairs form before the breeding season; the female chooses a concealed ground nest, lays the clutch and alone incubates it. Ducklings leave the nest soon after hatching and feed themselves while remaining under her protection. (Wikipedia, mallard account)