The Mallard is a very common, medium-sized duck. The male is easily recognizable by its bright green head, brown breast, and gray body. The female is predominantly brown with darker streaks. Both sexes have a distinctive blue-violet wing mirror edged with white. It feeds mainly on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. It prefers aquatic habitats such as lakes, ponds, and calm rivers. It nests on the ground, often near water, from March through July.