Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the most familiar and abundant wild duck in the world. The adult male (drake) sports a brilliant green head, a yellow bill, a white neck collar, chestnut chest, and the iconic iridescent blue wing speculum displayed by this feather

Features a striking iridescent blue-violet patch (speculum) bordered by distinct black and white bands, characteristic of the iconic wing pattern of a Mallard

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure near the tip with a strong, continuous vane, transitioning into slightly looser semiplume-like barbs at the base

Smooth, glossy, and slightly oily texture which provides natural waterproofing, with a rigid pennaceous upper vane and softer base

Brilliant iridescent blue or violet speculum patch bordered by prominent white lines, a medium-sized symmetrical shape, and stiff water-repellent barbs

Found in a wide variety of wetlands, including marshes, lakes, rivers, ponds, agricultural fields, and urban parks

Widespread across the temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa; highly adaptable and migratory in northern parts of its range

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants, a key food source for various predators, and an ecological indicator of wetland health

American Black Duck and various domestic or hybrid duck breeds, distinguished by the exact width and crispness of the white borders around the blue speculum

Mallards are the ancestor of nearly all domestic duck breeds (except the Muscovy) and are capable of hybridizing with many other duck species

Good condition with an intact rachis, minimal fraying along the edges, and well-preserved structural coloration with no major signs of fading or damage