The mallard is the most populous duck in the United States, in North America, and in the Northern Hemisphere.
Most forms of domestic ducks originated from the mallard
Puddle ducks, also known as dabblers, are in a group that tips up the tail when feeding.
They have large, powerful wings for vertical take-off, and their legs are positioned near the center of the body for easier movement on land. A colored wing patch, usually iridescent and called a speculum, is also unique to the puddle duck.