Mallard vs. Duck: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A specific species of duck.
A general term for various species of aquatic birds.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Common Usage
Often seen in urban and suburban areas.
Used to describe any waterfowl in the duck family.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Duck
Birds that can be both wild or domesticated.
My neighbor has a few domesticated ducks in his backyard.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Mallard
A commonly found duck in North America and Eurasia.
Mallards are often spotted in city parks.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Duck
Known for their distinctive waddling walk.
The little duck waddled its way to the water.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
Mallard
Males have a curling black tail feather.
He identified the bird as a male Mallard by its tail feather.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
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Duck
Can refer to both the male and female of the species.
We saw a pair of ducks nesting near the riverbank.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Mallard
A dabbling duck that feeds primarily on the water's surface.
The Mallard dabbled near the reeds searching for food.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Duck
Any of various wild or domesticated waterbirds of the family Anatidae, characteristically having a broad flat bill, short legs, and webbed feet.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Mallard
Recognizable by its distinctive quack.
The sound of the Mallard's quack echoed through the wetlands.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos, a common and widespread dabbling duck, natively found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, whose male has a distinctive dark green head.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Mallard
A large wild duck (Anas boschas) inhabiting both America and Europe. The domestic duck has descended from this species. Called also greenhead.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Mallard
Wild dabbling duck from which domestic ducks are descended; widely distributed
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
A similar vehicle used for civilian purposes, as to evacuate flood victims or for sightseeing tours. In both senses also called DUKW.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
To lower quickly, especially so as to avoid something
Ducked his head as the ball came toward him.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
In bridge, to deliberately play a card that is lower than (an opponent's card).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
To move swiftly, especially so as to escape being seen
Ducked behind a bush.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
To evade a responsibility or obligation. Often used with out
Duck out on one's family.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
In bridge, to lose a trick by deliberately playing lower than one's opponent.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
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!
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
(transitive) To quickly lower (the head or body), often in order to prevent it from being struck by something.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
(transitive) To lower (something) into water; to thrust or plunge under liquid and suddenly withdraw.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
(intransitive) To go under the surface of water and immediately reappear; to plunge one's head into water or other liquid.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
(transitive) To lower the volume of (a sound) so that other sounds in the mix can be heard more clearly.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
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?
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
An aquatic bird of the family Anatidae, having a flat bill and webbed feet.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
Specifically, an adult female duck; contrasted with drake and with duckling.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
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.)
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
A marble to be shot at with another marble (the shooter) in children's games.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
One of the weights used to hold a spline in place for the purpose of drawing a curve.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
(Midlands) Dear, mate (informal way of addressing a friend or stranger).
Ay up duck, ow'a'tha?
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
To plunge the head of under water, immediately withdrawing it; as, duck the boy.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
To drop the head or person suddenly; to bow.
The learned pateDucks to the golden fool.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
Small wild or domesticated web-footed broad-billed swimming bird usually having a depressed body and short legs
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
To move (the head or body) quickly downwards or away;
Before he could duck, another stone struck him
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
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
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 17, 2022
Duck
A waterfowl with a broad flat bill and webbed feet.
The duck swam peacefully across the lake.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Duck
A general term for various species of aquatic birds.
There are many types of ducks found around the world.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Where can I commonly find Mallards?
Mallards are frequently seen in North America and Eurasia, often in urban and suburban areas.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
What is the general habitat of a duck?
Ducks can be found in a variety of wetlands, lakes, rivers, and ponds worldwide.
Harlon Moss
Oct 07, 2023
Is there a difference in appearance between male and female Mallards?
Yes, male Mallards have a glossy green head, while females are mottled brown.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
What is a Mallard?
A Mallard is a specific species of duck, recognizable by its glossy green head in males.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Are all ducks Mallards?
No, there are many species of ducks beyond just the Mallard.
Janet White
Oct 07, 2023
How many species of ducks are there?
There are over 120 different species of ducks.
Sara Rehman
Oct 07, 2023
Can ducks be domesticated?
Yes, some species of ducks, including the Mallard, can be domesticated.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
