Mallard Speclum (Feather Pin)

Mallard Speculum

The bright blue speculum of the mallard is rarely visible on resting birds

Because they are the so common, mallards are easily the most recognizable wild duck species.  The hens tend to be highly vocal.  Their distinctive quacks are the calls we all identify as “duck calls.”  The drakes voice is actually a much quieter quack.  The drake’s call almost sounds like it is being whispered.

Breeding across most of North America, most domestic duck species owe have wild mallards as their origin.