Facts about Mallard

1. 07

   Mallard embryos develop entirely within the egg over approximately 28 days before ducklings hatch and can swim within hours of birth.

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2. 06

   Mallards can consume up to 30,000 seeds per day during autumn migration, enabling them to build fat reserves for long-distance travel.

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3. 05

   An iridescent green head in mallards results from light refraction through feather structure rather than pigmentation, causing the color to shift depending on viewing angle.

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4. 04

   Mallard pairs form monogamous bonds lasting only a single breeding season, with males abandoning females shortly after eggs are laid in spring.

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5. 03

   During spring migration, mallards travel up to 1,500 miles from their wintering grounds to reach northern breeding territories in Canada and Alaska.

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6. 02

   Male mallards produce a loud, clear quack while females emit a series of loud quacking calls that can be heard from over 100 yards away.

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7. 01

   The mallard duck can dive up to 60 feet deep and hold its breath for approximately 30 seconds while foraging for food underwater.

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