Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the quintessential dabbling duck, recognized by the iconic iridescent green head of the drake and the mottled brown camouflage of the hen. Known for their adaptable nature, they thrive in diverse wetland habitats and urban ponds alike.

Warm brown to grayish-brown tones with subtle lighter edging typical of female or non-breeding plumage Mallard body feathers, featuring a pale yellowish-tan rachis

Pennaceous at the upper distal end with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning into a plumulaceous, fluffy downy structure near the base

Smooth and relatively stiff at the pennaceous tip, transitioning to a soft, fluffy texture at the base with a matte surface appearance

Warm brownish-grey coloration with a pale yellowish-orange central rachis and a distinct transition from a pennaceous tip to a fluffy plumulaceous base

Wetlands, marshes, lakes, ponds, rivers, agricultural fields, and urban parks with open water

Widespread across temperate and subtropical North America, Eurasia, and parts of the Southern Hemisphere; largely migratory in northern ranges and resident further south

Acts as an important seed disperser, aquatic herbivore, and a vital prey species for various raptors and mammalian carnivores

Other dabbling ducks such as American Black Duck or Gadwall females, distinguishable by specific subtle barring and rachis coloration

Mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds and possess a specialized oil gland (uropygial gland) that they use to preen and waterproof their feathers

Good condition, intact barbs with no major fraying, sun bleaching, or structural damage observed