Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the most familiar and abundant wild duck in the world. Adult males feature a striking glossy green head, a white neck ring, chestnut-brown chest, and grey body flanks, while females are a mottled brownish-buff camouflage. They are dabbling ducks, tipping up to feed on aquatic plants and invertebrates rather than diving.

Gradient of soft grayish-brown to dark brownish-grey on the distal vane, transitioning to a clean white fluffy base; central rachis is whitish and robust

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy/downy) base with loose barbs

Smooth and slightly glossy on the upper pennaceous portion with water-repellent properties; soft and downy at the proximal base

Smooth grayish-brown upper vane transitioning abruptly to a fluffy white base with a strong, pale central rachis

Wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes, ponds, rivers, agricultural fields, and urban parks across temperate and subtropical regions

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere; breeds throughout North America (including Saskatchewan), Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa, wintering further south

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants, a key food source for various mammalian and avian predators, and a vital component of wetland food webs

Other dabbling ducks such as American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) or Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), which share similar body feather morphology and coloration

Mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds. Their specialized uropygial (preen) gland produces oil that they meticulously spread over their feathers to maintain waterproofing.

Good condition, intact barbs with no obvious fraying, missing parts, or parasite damage

Saskatchewan