Deciduous and mixed forests, parks, and suburban areas. Highly adaptable to human-modified landscapes.
Mallard
Nearly any wetland habitat including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, estuaries, and urban park ponds.
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Song & Call Comparison
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Song & Call Comparison
Blue Jay
さえずり
A harsh, ringing 'jaay-jaay-jaay'. Also mimics Red-tailed Hawk and other species convincingly. Gives soft, liquid 'bell' calls and gurgling whispers in flocks.
Mallard
さえずり
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.
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Geographic Range & Migration
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Geographic Range & Migration
Blue Jay
Eastern and central North America from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast. Some populations migrate irregularly.
Mallard
Native across the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia. Introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
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Conservation Status Comparison
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保全状況
Least Concern
Blue Jay
Least Concern
Mallard
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Identification Tips — How to Tell Them Apart
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How to Tell Them Apart
Blue Jay
羽毛
Bright blue upperparts with black barring on the wings and tail. White face and underparts with a black necklace. Prominent blue crest.
くちばし
Stout, straight black bill
Mallard
羽毛
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.
くちばし
Broad, flat bill — yellow-green in males, orange-brown in females
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About Each Bird (Descriptions)
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More Birds in Family
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