Mallard vs. Duck: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
Mallard is a specific species of duck, while Duck is a general term for various species of aquatic birds.
Key Differences
Mallards are a distinct species of duck known for their vibrant coloration and are commonly found across North America and Eurasia. Ducks, on the other hand, are a wider category encompassing numerous species of waterfowl that can be found worldwide.
While all Mallards are ducks, not all ducks are Mallards. This means that while the Mallard is a specific member of the duck family, the term "duck" covers a vast array of species beyond just the Mallard.
The male Mallard, with its distinctive glossy green head and white neck ring, is one of the most recognizable ducks. Ducks, being a broad category, come in a diverse range of appearances, habitats, and behaviors that go well beyond the characteristics of the Mallard.
Mallards are just one representation of ducks. They are often used as a reference because of their common presence in urban and suburban water bodies. In contrast, the term "duck" can refer to any number of species, from the Northern Pintail to the Canvasback.
To illustrate the relationship between Mallard and Duck: If we considered ducks as a category of birds, the Mallard would be a specific item within that category, similar to how apples are a specific type of fruit within the broader fruit category.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A specific species of duck.
A general term for various species of aquatic birds.
Recognizability
Glossy green head in males.
Diverse range of appearances.
Distribution
Commonly found in North America and Eurasia.
Found worldwide.
Inclusivity
A type of duck.
Encompasses many species including the Mallard.
Common Usage
Often seen in urban and suburban areas.
Used to describe any waterfowl in the duck family.
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Mallard and Duck Definitions
Mallard
A species of wild duck with a glossy green head in males.
The Mallard flew gracefully over the pond.
Duck
Birds that can be both wild or domesticated.
My neighbor has a few domesticated ducks in his backyard.
Mallard
A commonly found duck in North America and Eurasia.
Mallards are often spotted in city parks.
Duck
Known for their distinctive waddling walk.
The little duck waddled its way to the water.
Mallard
Males have a curling black tail feather.
He identified the bird as a male Mallard by its tail feather.
Duck
Can refer to both the male and female of the species.
We saw a pair of ducks nesting near the riverbank.
Mallard
A dabbling duck that feeds primarily on the water's surface.
The Mallard dabbled near the reeds searching for food.
Duck
Any of various wild or domesticated waterbirds of the family Anatidae, characteristically having a broad flat bill, short legs, and webbed feet.
Mallard
Recognizable by its distinctive quack.
The sound of the Mallard's quack echoed through the wetlands.
Duck
A female duck.
Mallard
A wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) found almost worldwide, the male of which has a green head and neck. Most domestic ducks descend from the mallard.
Duck
The flesh of a duck used as food.
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos, a common and widespread dabbling duck, natively found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, whose male has a distinctive dark green head.
Duck
(Slang) A person, especially one thought of as peculiar.
Mallard
A drake; the male of Anas boschas.
Duck
Often ducks (used with a sing. verb) Chiefly British A dear.
Mallard
A large wild duck (Anas boschas) inhabiting both America and Europe. The domestic duck has descended from this species. Called also greenhead.
Duck
A quick lowering of the head or body.
Mallard
Wild dabbling duck from which domestic ducks are descended; widely distributed
Duck
A plunge under water.
Duck
A durable, closely woven heavy cotton or linen fabric.
Duck
Ducks Clothing made of duck, especially white pants.
Duck
An amphibious military truck used during World War II.
Duck
A similar vehicle used for civilian purposes, as to evacuate flood victims or for sightseeing tours. In both senses also called DUKW.
Duck
To lower quickly, especially so as to avoid something
Ducked his head as the ball came toward him.
Duck
To evade; dodge
Duck responsibility.
Ducked the reporter's question.
Duck
To push (a person, for example) suddenly under water.
Duck
In bridge, to deliberately play a card that is lower than (an opponent's card).
Duck
To lower the head or body.
Duck
To move swiftly, especially so as to escape being seen
Ducked behind a bush.
Duck
To submerge the head or body briefly in water.
Duck
To evade a responsibility or obligation. Often used with out
Duck out on one's family.
Duck
In bridge, to lose a trick by deliberately playing lower than one's opponent.
Duck
(intransitive) To quickly lower the head or body, often in order to prevent it from being struck by something.
Duck! There's a branch falling off the tree!
Duck
(transitive) To quickly lower (the head or body), often in order to prevent it from being struck by something.
Duck
(transitive) To lower (something) into water; to thrust or plunge under liquid and suddenly withdraw.
Duck
(intransitive) To go under the surface of water and immediately reappear; to plunge one's head into water or other liquid.
Duck
(intransitive) To bow.
Duck
(transitive) To evade doing something.
Duck
(transitive) To lower the volume of (a sound) so that other sounds in the mix can be heard more clearly.
Duck
(intransitive) To enter a place for a short moment.
I'm just going to duck into the loo for a minute, can you hold my bag?
Duck
(caving) A cave passage containing water with low, or no, airspace.
Duck
An aquatic bird of the family Anatidae, having a flat bill and webbed feet.
Duck
Specifically, an adult female duck; contrasted with drake and with duckling.
Duck
(uncountable) The flesh of a duck used as food.
Duck
(cricket) A batsman's score of zero after getting out. (short for duck's egg, since the digit "0" is round like an egg.)
Duck
(slang) A playing card with the rank of two.
Duck
A building intentionally constructed in the shape of an everyday object to which it is related.
A luncheonette in the shape of a coffee cup is particularly conspicuous, as is intended of an architectural duck or folly.
Duck
A marble to be shot at with another marble (the shooter) in children's games.
Duck
(US) A cairn used to mark a trail.
Duck
One of the weights used to hold a spline in place for the purpose of drawing a curve.
Duck
Synonym of lame duck
Duck
(medicine) A long-necked medical urinal for men.
Duck
A faggot; a meatball made from offal.
Duck
A tightly-woven cotton fabric used as sailcloth.
Duck
(in plural) Trousers made of such material.
Duck
A term of endearment; pet; darling.
Duck
(Midlands) Dear, mate (informal way of addressing a friend or stranger).
Ay up duck, ow'a'tha?
Duck
A pet; a darling.
Duck
A linen (or sometimes cotton) fabric, finer and lighter than canvas, - used for the lighter sails of vessels, the sacking of beds, and sometimes for men's clothing.
Duck
The light clothes worn by sailors in hot climates.
Duck
Any bird of the subfamily Anatinæ, family Anatidæ.
Duck
A sudden inclination of the bead or dropping of the person, resembling the motion of a duck in water.
Here be, without duck or nod,Other trippings to be trod.
Duck
To thrust or plunge under water or other liquid and suddenly withdraw.
Adams, after ducking the squire twice or thrice, leaped out of the tub.
Duck
To plunge the head of under water, immediately withdrawing it; as, duck the boy.
Duck
To bow; to bob down; to move quickly with a downward motion.
Duck
To go under the surface of water and immediately reappear; to dive; to plunge the head in water or other liquid; to dip.
In Tiber ducking thrice by break of day.
Duck
To drop the head or person suddenly; to bow.
The learned pateDucks to the golden fool.
Duck
Small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs
Duck
(cricket) a score of nothing by a batsman
Duck
Flesh of a duck (domestic or wild)
Duck
A heavy cotton fabric of plain weave; used for clothing and tents
Duck
To move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away;
Before he could duck, another stone struck him
Duck
Submerge or plunge suddenly
Duck
Dip into a liquid;
He dipped into the pool
Duck
Avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues);
He dodged the issue
She skirted the problem
They tend to evade their responsibilities
He evaded the questions skillfully
Duck
A waterfowl with a broad flat bill and webbed feet.
The duck swam peacefully across the lake.
Duck
A general term for various species of aquatic birds.
There are many types of ducks found around the world.
FAQs
How does a Duck differ from a Mallard?
"Duck" is a general term for various aquatic bird species, while Mallard refers to one specific species.
Are all Mallards ducks?
Yes, all Mallards are ducks.
Where can I commonly find Mallards?
Mallards are frequently seen in North America and Eurasia, often in urban and suburban areas.
What is the general habitat of a duck?
Ducks can be found in a variety of wetlands, lakes, rivers, and ponds worldwide.
Is there a difference in appearance between male and female Mallards?
Yes, male Mallards have a glossy green head, while females are mottled brown.
What is a Mallard?
A Mallard is a specific species of duck, recognizable by its glossy green head in males.
Are all ducks Mallards?
No, there are many species of ducks beyond just the Mallard.
Do Mallards have a specific call?
Yes, Mallards have a distinctive quack.
How many species of ducks are there?
There are over 120 different species of ducks.
Can ducks be domesticated?
Yes, some species of ducks, including the Mallard, can be domesticated.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
