Tag: birdwatching

I always thought mallard ducks were the potato of Idaho- in other words, so common they’re not even worth talking about.

But alas! Tis not the case!

I figured these waddlers deserved a little research and found some facts that are actually quite interesting, in my opinion. So buckle up!

First things first: Ducks can be categorized based on their feeding habits, falling into one of two groups: dabblers or divers. As you might have guessed-mallards are considered dabbler ducks!

This may not be mind-blowing material here, but I just like saying “dabbler ducks” and figured you might too.

Second things second! Mallards are famous for the males’ bright green head feathers, though for part of the year they actually lose those green feathers. This routine feather loss is called a molt, and for mallards this feather shedding happens twice a year.

The first molt is quite dramatic. It is characterized by a loss of flight feathers, and the growth of plain brown head feathers in place of the bright green. This is called the eclipse molt. Some say the loss of their bright colors allows the mallards to enter “stealth mode” when they are most vulnerable.

Later in the year, they go through another molt, when they lose all those brown head feathers and bring back the green to impress the ladies!

I am pretty impressed myself! Maybe mallard ducks aren’t just the potatoes of Idaho after all.

https://www.birdlife.org/news/2021/12/16/the-eclipse-moult-of-mallards