Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the most familiar and abundant wild duck in the world. Recognizable by the iconic green head of the drake and the mottled brown camouflage of the hen, Mallards are adaptable dabbling ducks found in almost any aquatic habitat. Their plumage is heavily adapted for life on the water, featuring dense under-down and oil-producing preen glands that keep the feathers waterproof.

Rich dark brown and blackish tones with subtle paler brown margins and frosted whitish tips, characteristic of female or eclipse-plumage Mallard body plumage

Pennaceous at the upper distal tips with interconnected barbs, transitioning to a looser, plumulaceous base with downy barbs lacking firm hooklets

Smooth and slightly glossy at the tip, soft and downy near the base with water-repellent properties typical of waterfowl plumage

Rich brown and buff coloration with soft, rounded tips and a fluffy base, lacking the bright metallic speculum colors of wing feathers

Wetlands, marshes, lakes, ponds, rivers, and urban parks with open water and emergent vegetation

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

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants, a major component of the wetland food web, and an ecological indicator of wetland health

Other dabbling ducks such as American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) or Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), which share similar body feather structures and brown tones

Mallards are the primary ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds. Their famous 'quack' is actually only emitted by females; drakes make a much quieter, raspy sound.

Good condition with intact barbs on the left specimen and some separation of barbs on the right specimen, showing normal wear and tear