Quite
hardy - some birds stay as far north as open water
is found. The smallest and one of the most common
of our ducks. Their tiny size gives the impression
of great speed, but mallards can fly faster. Their
flight is often low, erratic, with the entire flock
twisting and turning as one unit.
They
nest as far north as Alaska, and migrate in all four
flyways. Early fall drakes are usually still in full
eclipse plumage. Drakes whistle and twitter; hens
have a slight quack.
