Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the quintessential dabbling duck, recognized by the male's iconic glossy green head, yellow bill, and brown chest. Females possess a mottled brown plumage providing camouflage during nesting. Contour feathers like this one cover the body to streamline flight and repel water.

Dark brown to charcoal base with lighter grayish-brown margins and a soft, powdery texture. Typical melanin-based pigmentation providing earthy camouflage.

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning into a plumulaceous (fluffy, downy) base without hooklets.

Smooth and slightly oily to the touch, providing natural water resistance (hydrophobic surface typical of waterfowl contour feathers).

Rounded contour shape, brownish-gray tones with water-repellent texture, fluffy plumulaceous base.

Found in wetlands, marshes, lakes, ponds, rivers, and agricultural fields across temperate and subtropical regions.

Widespread across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa and the Southern Hemisphere. Highly adaptable and migratory in northern ranges.

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants, forms a key link in wetland food webs, and serves as prey for larger raptors and mammals.

Other dabbling ducks such as American Black Duck or Northern Pintail, distinguished by subtle differences in vermiculation and shade.

Mallards are the ancestor of nearly all domestic duck breeds. Their oil glands produce preen oil that they rub onto their feathers to keep them completely waterproof.

Good condition, intact barbs, clean with no visible parasitic damage or fading.