Mallard Duck (Wild Duck)

This is a classic 'speculum' feather from a Mallard. The Mallard is a medium-sized dabbling duck where the male (drake) features a glossy green head and white collar, while the female is mottled brown. Both sexes possess this brilliant blue wing patch.

Striking iridescent violet-blue to royal blue on the outer vane, bordered by a bold black subterminal band and a crisp white terminal tip. The inner vane and base are typically matte brownish-grey.

Mainly pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs for flight efficiency and water resistance; base shows some plumulaceous (downy) structure for insulation.

Smooth, stiff, and glossy on the iridescent portion with a somewhat oily, water-repellent finish characteristic of waterfowl.

The combination of iridescent blue, a stark black band, and a white tip is diagnostic for the Mallard speculum.

Highly adaptable, found in nearly any wetland habitat including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, estuaries, and urban park ponds.

Widespread across the Northern Hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia) and introduced to South America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand; migratory in northern regions.

Generalist dabbler that plays a key role in aquatic food webs as both a consumer of aquatic invertebrates/plants and as prey for larger predators.

American Black Duck (similar but lacks the white borders), Northern Shoveler (speculum is green), and Wood Duck (narrower with different iridescent tones).

Mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds. Their speculum acts as a visual signal to other ducks during flight to help maintain flock cohesion.

Good condition; the iridescence remains vibrant, though there is slight fraying at the edges suggesting it may be a naturally molted feather from a post-breeding cycle.