Taken by Neil English

With the SA208 Binocular

Physical Characteristics (Identification)

• Mottled Plumage: She is covered in intricate, streaky brown, bristly feathers. This "mottled" look is her primary defense when nesting.

• The Eye Stripe: Notice the dark line running straight through her eye, with a lighter buff-colored stripe above it.

• The Bill: Her bill is typically orange or dull orange, often splotched with dark brown or black specks.

• The Speculum (Hidden Detail): Although not fully visible in this water shot, Mallards have a "speculum"—a bright iridescent blue patch on the wing bordered by white. If you catch a video of her flapping her wings, that blue will pop!