Water:
* Shallow water: They need shallow water for feeding, resting, and preening.
* Freshwater: While they can tolerate some brackish water, they prefer freshwater sources like ponds, lakes, marshes, and rivers.
* Open water: They need open areas in the water for taking off and landing.
Vegetation:
* Aquatic plants: They feed on a variety of aquatic plants and need these for food sources.
* Emergent vegetation: They use reeds, cattails, and other emergent vegetation for nesting and hiding from predators.
* Trees: They often use trees for roosting and nesting, especially in areas with limited vegetation.
Land:
* Grassy areas: They need grassy areas for foraging, nesting, and resting.
* Open areas: They prefer open areas for easy access to water and for escaping predators.
* Protected areas: They need protected areas for nesting and raising young.
Other Factors:
* Human activity: Mallards are quite tolerant of human activity and can often be found in urban parks and even golf courses.
* Predator pressure: They are more likely to choose areas with low predator pressure, especially when nesting.
Specific Examples:
* Parks and ponds: These areas often provide the necessary water, vegetation, and open space for Mallards.
* Marshes and wetlands: These areas offer a wide variety of aquatic plants and abundant food sources.
* Rivers and streams: Mallards can be found along the banks of rivers and streams, especially where there are shallow areas and abundant vegetation.
Overall, Mallard ducks are opportunistic and can adapt to a wide range of habitats. However, they prefer areas with shallow freshwater, abundant vegetation, and open space.