Mallard

The Mallard (Scientific name - Anas platyrhynchos) is a very common dabbling or puddling duck found throughout North America and many parts of the world. 

Female

Male

The female  is quite plain in markings, compared to the male that is distinguished by its bright green head, ring neck and curly tail feathers.  Photos were taken in December 2010, January 2011 and March 2012 at Mill Lake in Abbotsford, B.C. and at the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sancturary in Delta, B.C.