In ducks taste buds have been reported only from the posterior parts of the oral cavity (BATH, 1906). In this study the presence of additional fields of taste buds in more anterior parts of the bill of the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos L.) has been demonstrated. The anatomical details of these taste buds concur closely to what is generally described, but some differences were found. The distribution of the taste buds was studied using two techniques 1) rapid surface staining and 2) scanning electron microscopy. The functional implications of this distribution was discussed. Clearly demonstrated is the close correlation of the distribution of taste buds with the food pathway, as described by ZWEERS et al. (1977).