Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the ancestor of nearly all domestic duck breeds. Known for the iconic glossy green head of the adult male, females are mottled brown with orange-edged bills. They are robust dabbling ducks that feed by tipping up rather than diving.

Uniform grayish-brown to muted grey tones with a slightly lighter border and a sturdy pale whitish-grey rachis

Pennaceous at the upper tip grading into plumulaceous (fluffy, downy) structure near the base with a small afterfeather

Smooth and soft at the tip with a matte finish and fluffy, downy texture near the base containing waterproof oil properties

Rounded contour shape with fine grayish-brown coloration, a distinct whitish central rachis, and downy basal barbs typical of dabbling ducks

Wetlands, marshes, lakes, ponds, rivers, and agricultural fields across freshwater and brackish environments

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

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants, a prey species for various predators, and an indicator of wetland ecosystem health

Other dabbling duck species such as the American Black Duck or Gadwall, which have similar grayish-brown body contour feathers

Mallards are highly adaptable and form strong pair bonds during the winter breeding season, with males often engaging in elaborate courtship displays

Good condition with minor fraying along the upper right vane margin and intact structure