How to Tell the Difference Between a Male & Female Mallard

One of the most easily recognizable ducks throughout North America, Europe and Asia, the mallard duck has genetic ties to almost every population of known duck breed. The male mallard duck is much prettier to look at than his female counterpart, especially around their breeding season, which takes place in the spring. The colors and markings on the male mallard duck are striking and vibrant, while the female mallard tends to blend into the background.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the head. The head of the male mallard is dark green at the top with a brown face. During breeding season, the entire head changes to a vibrant green with a white ring around the neck. Female mallard ducks have pale brown heads year round.

    • 2

      Check out the body. The male mallard duck has distinguished sections of brown, gray and white feathers. The female mallard is brown all over her body with streaks of lighter and darker browns.

    • 3

      Look at the beak. The male mallard's beak also changes slightly during breeding season. It is yellowish-green through the year, but brightens in color and gains a black tip during breeding season. The female sports a yellow or orange beak, speckled with black, all year long.

    • 4

      Study the tail feathers. Male mallard ducks have black tail feathers, while females have pale white tail feathers. Also, male tail feathers tend to flip up in the back.

    • 5

      Listen carefully. Female mallard ducks sound the standard, "quack, quack." Males tend to omit a raspier sound. Males have also been known to grunt.