Mallard Duck

Description:

The Mallard or Wild Duck is a dabbling duck which breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to New Zealand and Australia.

Habitat:

The Mallard inhabits a wide range of habitat and climates, from Arctic Tundra to subtropical regions. It is found in both fresh- and salt-water wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes and estuaries, as well as shallow inlets and open sea within sight of the coastline. Water depths of less than 1 metre (3.3 ft) are preferred, birds avoiding areas more than a few metres deep. They are attracted to bodies of water with aquatic vegetation. (Wikipedia)

Notes:

I've been taking pictures of Mallard ducks for years...on Lake Ontario bays in the summer and on vacation in Florida, where this one was taken. The males are particularly attractive but the females with their ducklings are also great photo subjects.