Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the most familiar and widespread wild duck in the world, recognizable by the male's striking green head and the female's mottled brown camouflage. They are dabbling ducks that feed by tipping up in the water rather than diving.

Subtle grayish-brown tones with fine vermiculations and a lighter fringe, characteristic of female Mallard camouflage plumage

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning into a slightly more plumulaceous base with a small afterfeather

Smooth, slightly water-resistant feel with a matte appearance and flexible vane structure

Subtle vermiculated brown and grey patterning with a smooth, flexible contour feather structure typical of waterfowl

Wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes, rivers, ponds, and urban parks with access to open water

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere like Australia and New Zealand

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants, a prey base for larger predators, and a bioindicator of wetland health

Other dabbling ducks such as the American Black Duck or Gadwall, which share similar body feather patterns

Mallards are the祖ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds except the Muscovy duck. They are highly adaptable and frequently hybridize with other duck species.

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal signs of wear or fading