Mallard, Female
Albuquerque, NM - Tingley Beach Area - Female mallards are far less colorful than mallard drakes. Their plumage is an overall mottled brown-buff, with light centers to the largest feathers on the back and less distinct speckling on the under parts. Hens have a bright orange bill smudged with black or gray, but the nail on the tip of the bill is always black. A hen's chin and throat tend to have less speckling, and they have a clear face pattern with a dark eye stripe and dark crown. Their wings also show the blue speculum bordered with thick white lines, and their rump, tail, and undertail coverts are buff with brown speckles. Like the drakes, their legs and feet are bright orange.
Thank You for Making this Daily Photo Tied for or was the #3 Pick on 07-31-2021.
USAHorizontalVacation 2018New MexicoBirdsOnOneSoftware
From New Mexico
nelli
on August 6, 2021A BEAUTIFUL CAPTURE GORGEOUS
jimholmquist
on August 1, 2021Outstanding shot Rick! I love the reflections and colors.
Greg&Rose Photography
on July 31, 2021Superb Mallard Shot 😊
Byron Fair Photography
on July 31, 2021Great capture.
Howard's Photography
on July 31, 2021Superb capture and reflections!
Wayne Wendel
on July 31, 2021Great shot of this hen, Rick. Most female birds are drabby looking which provides a camouflage over her eggs or little ones from a passing hawk.
Darlene Jansen
on July 31, 2021Wonderful capture, love the reflections!
Lgood
on July 31, 2021That's a pretty little Lady.
John (300m)
on July 31, 2021Excellent shot of the female! Rick!
Donna McCommon
on July 31, 2021Great shot and I like the motion of the water behind her.