Mallard look-alikes

Key differences

Similar in size and shape, but the American Black Duck is uniformly dark sooty-brown with a paler head and a dark bill. It lacks the Mallard's iridescent green head (male) or mottled brown pattern (female) and has a purplish speculum, not blue.

Key differences

Resembles a female Mallard but is generally darker overall, with a more uniform brown body and a brighter orange bill (especially in males) with fewer or no dark markings. The speculum is blue-green, often without distinct white borders.

Key differences

Very similar to the female Mallard, often considered a subspecies of Mallard. It is generally darker brown, with a less distinct eye-stripe and a more uniformly yellow bill (male) or duller orange bill (female) with less dark mottling. The speculum is blue-green with narrow white borders.

Key differences

Both sexes are generally grey-brown. Males have a black rear and a white speculum (not blue). Females are mottled brown but lack the Mallard's orange bill with dark markings and have a white speculum.