Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the most familiar and abundant wild duck in the world. Recognizable by the iridescent green head of the drake and the mottled brown camouflage of the hen, Mallards are dabbling ducks that feed by tipping up in the water rather than diving. They are vocal, highly social, and found in nearly any freshwater habitat.

Dark brownish-grey with subtle lighter edging or vermiculation, characteristic of female Mallard or eclipse plumage body feathers

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy downy) base

Smooth and firm at the tip with a water-repellent oily texture, becoming soft and fluffy near the base

Rounded tip, smooth water-repellent surface, brownish-grey coloration with a fluffy downy base typical of dabbling duck body plumage

Found in a wide variety of wetlands, including marshes, lakes, ponds, rivers, and urban parks with open water

Widespread across the temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa; highly adaptable and migratory in northern zones

Important as both predator of aquatic invertebrates and prey for larger raptors; plays a key role in seed dispersal across wetland ecosystems

Other dabbling ducks such as American Black Duck or Gadwall, whose body feathers share similar coloration and structure

Mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds. Their famous 'quack' is actually only produced by females; males make a quieter, raspy sound.

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal wear, suggesting it was naturally molted

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