Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the most familiar and abundant wild duck in the world. Known for the iconic glossy green head of the adult male, females are mottled brown with orange and black bills. They are dabbling ducks, tipping up to feed on aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates rather than diving. Their flight is fast and direct with rapid wingbeats.

Muted brownish-grey base with a distinct subterminal dark band and a characteristic pale ochre or buff tip, exhibiting subtle green-bronze iridescence under direct light

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning into a slightly plumulaceous (fluffy) base with an afterfeather

Smooth and firm in the upper pennaceous vane with a silky, downy base; exhibits slight natural waterproofing oils typical of waterfowl

Rounded oval contour shape, grey-brown coloration with a subtle subterminal band and pale tip, silky base with a small afterfeather

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

Widespread across the temperate and subtropical regions of North America, Europe, Asia, and introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere including Australia and New Zealand

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants, forms a key link in wetland food webs as both predator and prey, and serves as an ecological indicator for wetland health

Other dabbling duck species such as American Black Duck, Gadwall, or Northern Pintail females, which share similar mottled brown body contour feathers

Mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds. They are highly adaptable and form strong pair bonds during the autumn and winter months.

Good condition, intact vane with minimal fraying at the edges, fresh molt appearance