Mallard (Wild Duck)

A medium-sized dabbling duck where males feature a metallic green head and females exhibit mottled brown plumage. This feather is a standard body contour feather used for insulation and streamlining.

Gradient from a white plumulaceous base to a brownish-gray mid-section, ending in a dark charcoal or blackish rounded tip. No distinct iridescent speculum markings are present.

Mixed: Pennaceous (interlocked) at the distal tip for water repellency, transitioning to plumulaceous (downy/loose) at the base for insulation.

Smooth and somewhat oily/waxy on the dark pennaceous tip to provide waterproofing; soft and fluffy at the base for heat retention.

Rounded dark tip, white downy base, and a strong, stiff rachis; typical of an aquatic bird's protective body layer.

Highly adaptable: wetlands, marshes, lakes, rivers, city parks, and agricultural fields.

Found throughout the Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia), and introduced to many areas in the Southern Hemisphere. Mostly resident or short-distance migrants.

Generalist consumer; plays a role in seed dispersal and serves as a major prey species for various predators.

American Black Duck (darker overall), Gadwall (more intricate vermiculation), or female Northern Pintail (more elongated).

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

Fair to Good; shows some wetness and separation of barbs due to floating in water, but the structural integrity of the rachis remains intact.