Mallard

🔍 Overview

The UK’s most familiar duck, the Mallard is a common sight on Sussex’s lakes, rivers, ponds, and even urban parks year-round.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Large (58 cm)

Male: Glossy green head, yellow bill, grey body, curled black tail feathers

Female: Mottled brown with orange bill

Flight: Fast and direct, with loud wingbeats

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Found on freshwater and brackish waterbodies—from the Adur and Ouse rivers to Brighton’s park ponds and countryside lakes.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Female: classic loud “quack.” Males quieter. Often tame and accustomed to people.

🍴 Diet

Aquatic vegetation, seeds, insects, bread (not ideal).

📸 Birding Tip

Ideal for beginner birders—check any local park or wetland reserve like Pulborough Brooks or Brooklands.