Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the most familiar and widespread dabbling duck in the world. Known for the male's iconic glossy green head, yellow bill, and chestnut breast, it is the ancestor of nearly all domestic duck breeds. They are highly adaptable and thrive in both natural and urban wetlands.

Rich grayish-brown base with a striking iridescent green-to-blue metallic band along the outer edge, characteristic of male Mallard speculum or adjacent plumage.

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy) downy base near the calamus.

Smooth and glossy on the upper pennaceous surface with natural water-repellent oily texture; soft and downy at the base.

Distinctive metallic green-blue iridescence along the edge, smooth rounded contour shape, and contrasting white calamus base.

Wetlands, marshes, lakes, ponds, rivers, and agricultural fields across temperate and subtropical regions.

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, inhabiting 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 and serves as a vital prey species for various raptors and carnivorous mammals.

American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, and various domestic duck hybrids.

Mallards are highly adaptable and form strong pair bonds during the fall and winter. The iconic 'quack' sound is produced exclusively by females; males make a quieter, raspy sound.

Good condition with intact barbs, clean surface, and no obvious signs of breakage or parasitic damage.