Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the ancestor of nearly all domestic duck breeds. Recognizable by the iridescent green head of the adult male and the mottled brown camouflage plumage of the female. They are dabbling ducks, tipping up to feed on aquatic plants and invertebrates rather than diving.

Rich brown and grey tones with a pale whitish leading edge and a darker, brownish-grey trailing vane, showing classic melanin-based pigmentation typical of female Mallard wing feathers

Tightly interlocked pennaceous structure along the upper vane, with some wear and fraying visible along the lower leading edge

Smooth, firm, and slightly glossy along the upper pennaceous surface, with a durable, waterproof texture suited for an aquatic bird

Pale contrasting leading edge, slender tapered tip, firm interlocking barbs, and greyish-brown coloration characteristic of female dabbling duck wing remiges

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

Widespread across temperate and subtropical North America, Eurasia, and North Africa; highly adaptable and largely resident or migratory depending on latitude

Acts as an important consumer of aquatic vegetation and seeds, a prey species for various mammalian and avian predators, and a seed disperser across wetland habitats

Other dabbling ducks such as American Black Duck or Gadwall, which share similar wing feather structures and sizes in wetland environments

Mallards possess a specialized oil gland (uropygial gland) near the base of their tail, which they use to preen and waterproof their feathers, ensuring they stay buoyant and dry while swimming

Good to Fair condition; the rachis is intact and strong, but noticeable fraying and separation of barbs are present along the lower margin, indicating normal wear from water and preening

7 1/2 inches. Found on lake shore of lake Kenoza Massachusetts