Female mallard (hens or ducks) have mainly brown-speckled plumage with an area of white-bordered black or iridescent blue feathers on their wings. They prefer to live in calm shallow sanctuaries such as wetlands, eat water plants and small animals, and are social (preferring to congregate in groups or flocks of varying sizes). They can be a noisy species, the female has a deep stereotypical ‘quack’. These migrating birds can fly up to 55mph and usually cruise at an altitude of less than 10,000 feet (although one was found flying at 21,000 feet!!!!). They can live a long time. The oldest known mallard was 27 years old. #mallard #hen #duck #yosemitelake #yosemite #lake #pond #water #reflection #afewinterestingfacts #sunset #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #nature (at Yosemite Lakes Park, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDCLxoiBePi/?igshid=1oznqbg721txx
