Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the most familiar and widespread wild duck in the world. Known for the iconic iridescent green head of the male, females display a mottled brownish camouflage pattern. They are dabbling ducks, tipping up to feed on aquatic plants and insects rather than diving.

Muted grayish-brown tones with fine, delicate vermiculations and a lighter, frosted whitish tip, characteristic of female or eclipse plumage

Pennaceous at the upper exposed tip providing a smooth water-resistant surface, transitioning to plumulaceous (downy) at the base

Smooth, somewhat oily texture with a matte appearance, aiding in waterproofing and buoyancy

Subtle vermiculated gray-brown pattern with a pale rounded tip, indicating a female or non-breeding contour feather from a dabbling duck

Wetlands, marshes, lakes, ponds, rivers, and agricultural fields across a wide variety of aquatic environments

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, inhabiting temperate and subtropical regions of North America, Europe, and Asia

Important as both predator of aquatic invertebrates and prey for larger raptors and mammals, as well as acting as a seed disperser for aquatic plants

Other dabbling duck species such as Northern Pintail or Gadwall, distinguishable by specific vermiculation patterns and coloration

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

Good overall condition with intact barbs and minimal signs of wear or fading