Mallard (alternately known as Wild Duck)

This is a quintessential Mallard speculum feather. The Mallard is a large dabbling duck where the male (drake) features a green head and the female (hen) is mottled brown. Both sexes possess this brilliant blue-purple wing patch.

Deep iridescent violet-blue to purple on the distal half, bordered by a distinct black subterminal band and a crisp white terminal tip; charcoal grey base

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs for waterproofing and flight stability; plumulaceous (fluffy) barbs near the base (calamus)

Glossy and metallic on the iridescent portion, matte and smooth on the grey portion; oily and water-repellent texture

White terminal edge, black subterminal band, and vivid violet-blue iridescence which changes hue depending on light angle

Found in almost any wetland habitat including lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, estuaries, and urban parks

Holarctic distribution; year-round resident across much of North America, Europe, and Asia; migratory in northernmost regions

Generalist feeder and important prey species; they act as seed dispersers for aquatic plants and indicators of wetland health

American Black Duck (darker purple, thinner white edges), Northern Shoveler (lighter blue speculum), or Blue-winged Teal (much smaller)

The blue color is structural, not pigment-based, meaning it is caused by light refracting off the microscopic structure of the barbs rather than a blue dye

Good condition; the distal edges show very slight wear, but the iridescence remains vibrant and the rachis is intact