Mallard (Wild Duck)

The Mallard is the quintessential dabbling duck, known for the adult male's iconic glossy green head, white neck ring, and chestnut breast. Females are mottled brown with orange-and-brown bills. They are adaptable swimmers and fliers, found in almost any wetland habitat.

Warm brownish-olive tones with distinct pale buff or yellowish margins along the edge of the vane and a prominent yellowish central rachis

Pennaceous at the distal tip transitioning to slightly plumulaceous or semiplume-like structure near the base; barbs are intact but showing some separation

Smooth and somewhat silky with a matte finish and flexible vane structure

Distinctive yellowish-olive coloration with pale yellowish edges and a prominent bright yellow central shaft

Wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes, ponds, rivers, and agricultural fields across various temperate zones

Widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere like Australia and New Zealand

Acts as an important seed disperser for aquatic plants and serves as a major food source for various mammalian and avian predators

Other dabbling ducks such as American Black Duck or Northern Pintail, distinguished by specific vermiculation and coloration patterns

Mallards are the ancestors of almost all domestic duck breeds and are capable of hybridizing with many other duck species

Good condition with minor wear along the distal barbs and slight separation at the base