The Mallard Duck (Anas Platyrhynchos)

Title your submission with the common and scientific name of your species.
Species ecology For each response, you should have an in-text citation (author, year) for the source of the information.

What habitat types is this species found in?
What are some of the abiotic factors that define this type of habitat?
What is its role in the ecosystem? Does it have important biotic interactions with other species? (Does it utilize another species? Does it compete with another species?)
Species range and status For each response, you should have an in-text citation (author, year) for the source of the information. To answer some of these questions, you should look at and cite iNaturalist. To view global observations for your species on iNaturalist, click on ‘Explore’, then search for your species (without entering a location).

What is the global distribution (species range) of your species.  Is it observed world-wide or only found on certain continents?
Are there large numbers of iNaturalist observations found globally or does it appear to be rare?
What is the native range of this species? Is it native or introduced to to southern California?
What is the conservation status of this species?
If it is native to Southern California, is it a species of conservation concern? Why or why not?
If it is introduced, how/why was it introduced and what makes the species successful outside of its native habitat?

Note: Be sure to include a picture or screenshot of a worldwide map of observations from iNaturalist as evidence. 
Phenology (timing of important events in the life cycle)  for your species For each response, you should have an in-text citation (author, year) for the source of the information.
What time of year does it reproduce?
Is it migratory (only present for part of the year) or is it a resident (present year-round)?
How long does it live?
Species Adaptations For each response, you should have an in-text citation (author, year) for the source of the information.

What physical or physiological characteristics does the species have that make it well adapted for its environment?
Literature cited, using full citations as shown on the How To Page. Each in-text citation from your responses to the questions above should be included in the list of literature cited and each item in the list of literature cited should have an in-text citation.