Mallard (Wild Duck, English Duck)

The Mallard is the quintessential dabbling duck, known for the iconic glossy green head of the male, a white neck ring, chestnut-brown chest, and grey body. This specific feather exhibits the striking monochrome gradient and natural curl characteristic of the species' ornamental plumage.

Distinctive gradient starting with a white/grey base at the calamus, transitioning through a soft greyish-brown midsection, and terminating in a glossy, rich black tip

Pennaceous vane distally transitioning into a fluffy plumulaceous base with a prominent downy section near the calamus

Silky and smooth along the pennaceous black tip, soft and fluffy at the base, with natural water-repellent qualities

Smooth transition from light grey/white base to solid glossy black tip, combined with natural inherent curvature and flexible shaft

Found in a wide variety of wetlands, including marshes, rivers, lakes, ponds, agricultural fields, and urban parks

Widespread across the temperate and subtropical zones of North America, Europe, Asia, and introduced to Australia and New Zealand; common year-round resident in the UK including Jersey

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants, serves as prey for various avian and mammalian predators, and functions as a bio-indicator for wetland health

Other dabbling ducks such as Northern Pintail or Gadwall, though the distinct dark-tipped contour feather is classic for male Mallard display plumage

Mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds. They are dabbling ducks, meaning they feed by tipping up in the water rather than diving underwater

Good condition, clean, intact barbs, and no visible structural damage or parasite degradation

Jersey, channel islands, UK