The mallard is a relatively large duck, and is easily recognised by most. The drake (male) has a bright green head, and is the duck head that symbolizes the Ducks Unlimited Logo. The mallard is a puddle duck, and has a very extensive range across North America. The female, slightly smaller than the male, is a drab colour, and is often confused with Black Duck(s) by novice hunters. The female mallard duck is a much lighter brown than the black duck, which is primarily a darker brown. (by the way, the female of the duck species is called a 'duck', whereas the male is called a 'drake' - most people slangily refer to collectively as ducks, but in essence, this would refer to a number of females of the species) 

 The mallard is, as ducks go, quite aggressive, especially in regards of breeding purposes and breeding ranges; this is one of the major reasons the black duck has seen drastic population declines in the past several years. 

 Too, the mallard is a very adaptable bird, with a great will to survive, and seems able to cope with people's encroachment, as well as adapt to person made wetland breeding areas. These birds are 'witty' enough to go to where water/food/shelter is, and have survived much loss of habitat by adapting to the above mentioned person enhanced wetlands. 

 The mallard is truly a creature of habit, and the description above on duck behaviour is very representative/typical of the mallard, so I won't repeat this info. here. 

 The mallard too, is a relatively boisterous bird, and is responsible for most people associating ducks with 'quacking', which is mallard language. 

 Mallards respond well to the use of decoys, and good calling, but learn quickly to use their ears and superlative sight - and be much more selective after being fooled a couple of times, often soon after the opening of 'duck season'.