Mallard (drake), Wild Duck

This is a flank feather from a male Mallard. The bird is a large dabbling duck with a metallic green head, yellow bill, and a white neck ring. The flank feathers provide the characteristic gray 'side' seen when the duck is swimming. During flight, they reveal a blue speculum on the wing.

Distinctive 'vermiculation' pattern; fine, wavy grayish-brown horizontal bars on a white-to-cream background; the downy base is pure white to pale gray

Mixed: the distal half is pennaceous (interlocked barbs), while the proximal half is highly plumulaceous (downy) with long, loose barbs for insulation

Smooth and velvety in the patterned area, extremely soft and airy in the downy section; naturally oily/water-repellent

Fine, wavy 'vermiculated' gray-stippled pattern on the upper half and a large, white downy base

Found in almost any wetland habitat including lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, estuaries, and urban parks

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia); introduced and common in Australasia and South America

Omnivorous dabbler that disperses aquatic seeds and serves as a significant prey species for raptors and mammals

Gadwall (similar vermiculation but usually darker/coarser), Northern Pintail (finer, more delicate vermiculation)

Mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds. Their 'vermiculated' feathers provide excellent camouflage against shimmering water when viewed from a distance.

Fair to Good; shows some separation of the pennaceous barbs and slight ruffling of the downy section, likely molted naturally