Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the most familiar and abundant wild duck in the world. Males feature a brilliant glossy green head, white neck ring, chestnut chest, and grayish body, while females are a mottled brown. Their flight is fast and direct, accompanied by the iconic quacking sounds.

Grayish-white fluffy base, transitioning to a dark charcoal-gray or brownish band, ending in a pale buff or whitish tip

Pennaceous at the distal tip forming a smooth vane, transitioning to a loose, fluffy plumulaceous (downy) structure at the base

Soft and silky at the base with a smooth, firm tip

Distinct contrast between the fluffy gray base and the dark-banded, pale-tipped pennaceous tip characteristic of dabbling duck body plumage

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

Widespread across temperate and subtropical North America, Europe, Asia, and introduced to New Zealand and Australia

Important prey species for large raptors and mammals; acts as an aquatic seed disperser and generalist herbivore/omnivore

Other dabbling duck species such as American Black Duck or Northern Pintail, which have similar contour feather structures

Mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds. They are dabbling ducks, meaning they feed by tipping up in the water rather than diving.

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal wear