A beautiful emerald green head helps to identify the male mallard, which also has gray flanks & a black tail curl. Most domestic ducks are a hybrid form of a mallard. Pairs usually form in the fall with the courtship extending into the winter. Most pairs remain monogamous, but the males sometimes pursue & copulates other females. Mom incubates the eggs & takes care of the ducklings. Females quack, while the males make a quiet, rasping sound. Mallards dabble to feed & don't dive for food.