The mallard duck is a familiar sight across wetlands and parks. While both sexes possess distinct characteristics, it is the male mallard, often called a drake, that truly captures attention with its striking and vibrant colors. These distinctive patterns make the male mallard a notable figure among waterfowl.
The Iconic Male Mallard Plumage
The male mallard’s breeding plumage features a glossy, iridescent green head that can appear bluish or violet depending on the light. A crisp white collar separates the green head from a rich chestnut-brown breast. The flanks are typically pale gray, and the rear is black, often with white-bordered dark tail feathers. A characteristic curled central tail feather, known as the “drake feather,” is also present. The male’s bill is yellowish-orange, usually tipped with black.
First Colors: From Duckling to Drake
Newly hatched mallard ducklings, regardless of sex, initially display soft yellow down feathers. Around three weeks of age, their yellow down begins to fade to a drab brown as juvenile feathers emerge. By approximately two months, both male and female ducklings are covered in brown feathers, resembling the female.
Young male mallards gradually develop their characteristic vibrant colors as they mature. The first signs of their emerald-green heads, white neck rings, and reddish breast plumage typically appear around ten months of age. Full adult plumage is not complete until a male mallard reaches its second year.
The Summer Transformation: Eclipse Plumage
Following the breeding season, typically from late spring to late summer, male mallards undergo a significant plumage change known as the “eclipse plumage.” This transformation usually begins around June and peaks in July and August. During this period, their vibrant feathers are temporarily replaced by a duller, camouflaged plumage resembling the female.
This molting process is intense; male mallards shed all their flight feathers simultaneously, rendering them flightless for approximately 3 to 5 weeks. This vulnerable flightless period makes the duller eclipse plumage a protective adaptation, allowing males to hide from predators. While in eclipse, male mallards can often be distinguished from females by their consistently yellow bill.
Regaining Radiance: The Pre-Breeding Molt
After the eclipse phase, male mallards undergo another molt, known as the pre-breeding molt, to regain their vibrant breeding plumage. This process typically begins in late summer and early autumn. New, brightly colored feathers grow in, gradually restoring their iconic appearance.
By October, many male mallards have largely returned to their green-headed glory, and by November, they are typically in complete breeding plumage. This re-acquisition of bright colors coincides with the period when mallards begin to form new pair bonds for the upcoming breeding season. The renewed plumage signals their readiness for courtship displays.
Why the Seasonal Wardrobe Change?
The seasonal changes in a male mallard’s plumage serve distinct purposes related to survival and reproduction. The vibrant colors displayed during the breeding season are primarily for attracting mates. These patterns help males signal their health and genetic quality to potential females.
Conversely, the duller, camouflaged eclipse plumage after breeding offers protection. During this period, males are flightless as they replace feathers, making them susceptible to predators. The subdued coloration allows them to blend into their surroundings, enhancing their survival until they regain flight and their brilliant colors.