1. Food: Mallards are omnivores and feed on a variety of aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, and small fish. They use their bills to filter water and sift through mud and vegetation to find food.
2. Habitat: Mallards spend a significant portion of their time in water bodies such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes. These habitats provide them with shelter, protection from predators, and access to food.
3. Mating and Breeding: Mallards typically mate in water. The males, known as drakes, engage in courtship displays and compete with each other to attract females. Mating takes place in the water, and the females build their nests near water bodies to ensure easy access to water and food for the ducklings once they hatch.
4. Bathing and Preening: Like most waterfowl, mallards frequently bathe and preen their feathers in water. Bathing helps remove dirt, parasites, and excess oil, while preening helps maintain the feathers' waterproofing and overall condition.
5. Thermoregulation: In hot weather, mallards may go into the water to cool down. The water provides a cooling effect, helping them regulate their body temperature.
6. Socializing: Mallards often congregate in large flocks known as "rafts" or "paddles." These gatherings occur in water bodies where they can socialize, feed, and roost together.