Mallard (Wild Duck)

A classic mottled brown feather from a female or non-breeding male Mallard. Mallards are large dabbling ducks with a bulky body and wide bill. Drakes have iconic green heads, while hens are streaked brown.

Mottled brown and buff with distinct dark V-shaped or scalloped internal markings. Base is pale greyish-white.

The distal portion is pennaceous with interlocked barbs; the proximal base is plumulaceous (downy) for insulation.

Smooth and velvety on the outer surface; slightly oily feel due to preen wax for waterproofing. Matte appearance.

Scalloped dark brown markings on a buff background; downy base; broad rounded tip; overall water-resistant texture.

Wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, and even urban park ponds.

Holarctic distribution; found throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Widely introduced elsewhere.

Primary consumer/omnivore; important for seed dispersal and as a prey species for large raptors and mammals.

American Black Duck (darker overall), Gadwall (finer vermiculation), and Northern Shoveler (similar mottling but different size/shape).

Mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds. They can fly at speeds up to 55 miles per hour.

Fair to Good. Shows some separation of barbs (unzipping) likely due to water exposure and environmental contact.