Mallard vs Peregrine Falcon
Anas platyrhynchos comparé à Falco peregrinus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribut | Mallard | Peregrine Falcon |
|---|---|---|
| Nom scientifique | Anas platyrhynchos | Falco peregrinus |
| Ordre | Anseriformes | Falconiformes |
| Famille | Anatidae | Falconidae |
| Statut de conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Longueur | 58,0 cm (22.8 in) | 43,0 cm (16.9 in) |
| Envergure | 90,0 cm (35.4 in) | 104,0 cm (40.9 in) |
| Poids | 1100,0 g (38.80 oz) | 750,0 g (26.46 oz) |
| Régime alimentaire | Omnivorous — aquatic plants, seeds, insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. Feeds by dabbling, upending, and grazing … | Almost exclusively medium-sized birds caught in flight, including pigeons, doves, waterfowl, and songbirds. Hunts with … |
| Taille de la couvée | 4-18 | 2-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Habitats partagés
Mallard only
Aucun(e)
Peregrine Falcon only
Mallard
Nearly any wetland habitat including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, estuaries, and urban park ponds.
Peregrine Falcon
Diverse habitats from tundra to tropics, typically near cliffs or tall structures. Increasingly found in cities nesting on skyscrapers and bridges.
Song & Call Comparison
Mallard
Female gives the classic 'quack-quack-quack', descending in pitch. Male utters soft nasal 'raeb-raeb'. Both give a high 'gag-gag-gag' when alarmed or taking flight.
Peregrine Falcon
A harsh, wailing 'kak-kak-kak-kak' repeated rapidly in defense of the nest. Alarm call is a long screaming 'raaak'. Mostly silent away from breeding sites.
Geographic Range & Migration
Mallard
Native across the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia. Introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
Peregrine Falcon
One of the most widespread birds, found on every continent except Antarctica. Migratory populations travel vast distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
Statut de conservation
Mallard
Peregrine Falcon
How to Tell Them Apart
Mallard
Breeding males have an iridescent green head, white neck ring, chestnut breast, and grey body. Females are mottled brown. Both sexes show a blue speculum bordered by white.
Broad, flat bill — yellow-green in males, orange-brown in females
Peregrine Falcon
Blue-grey upperparts with barred white underparts. A distinctive black moustachial stripe contrasts with the white throat and cheeks.
Short, notched blue-grey bill with a yellow cere
About These Birds
Mallard
The mallard is the ancestor of most domestic duck breeds and the most abundant and widespread dabbling duck in the world. Males perform elaborate courtship displays including head-bobbing and whistle-grunt calls. Mallards are highly adaptable, thriving in both wilderness and urban environments.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds over 389 km/h during its characteristic hunting stoop. Like the bald eagle, peregrines suffered dramatic declines from DDT but have recovered through intensive conservation programs. They have adapted remarkably well to urban environments.