Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) Mallards arrive at Wolf Road Prairie in early spring and inhabit the wetland. Males can be identified by their glossy green heads, white neck rings, chestnut brown chests and pale brown backs. Females are mottled brown with orange bills. Baby mallards imprint on the call of their mother. Round and plump, mallard ducks are adapted for swimming as well as for flight. Their feet are webbed, and a thick layer of down and waterproof feathers keeps them dry, buoyant and warm. Mallards grow to 20-25 inches in length. video photos by Cynthia Gehrie