Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the quintessential dabbling duck, known for the adult male's iconic glossy green head, yellow bill, and chestnut breast. Females are mottled brown and buff. They are robust, highly adaptable swimmers and flyers capable of rapid takeoff straight from the water.

Rich dark brown to bronze-black tones with a prominent iridescent green-blue sheen along the distal edge, typical of a male Mallard's darker plumage regions

Pennaceous at the upper distal tip with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy downy) base near the calamus

Smooth, glossy, and slightly oily due to preen gland secretions that provide excellent water resistance

Rich brown coloration combined with a distinctive iridescent green-blue gloss and a strong white-stemmed base

Wetlands, marshes, lakes, ponds, rivers, agricultural fields, and urban parks

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere like Australia and New Zealand

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants, a key link in wetland food webs, and a major prey species for various raptors and carnivores

American Black Duck and various domestic duck hybrids, which can be distinguished by specific subtle barring patterns and coloration nuances

Mallards are the ancestral stock for nearly all domestic duck breeds. Their famous quack is actually produced exclusively by females, while males make a quieter, raspy sound.

Good condition with intact barbs, clean structure, and minimal wear or fraying