Mallard

In late June and early July, we can see mallards changing their feathers by the pond. Male ducks do this after breeding season, from June to August. This is called “eclipse.” Their bright feathers fall out, and they look brown just like female ducks. For few weeks, they can’t fly because their wing feathers haven’t grown back yet.

During this time, we can tell male and female ducks apart by their beaks. Male ducks have longer, brighter yellow beaks. Female ducks have smaller, darker orange beaks with some black on them. Male ducks are also bigger. As they change feathers, the bright green on the male ducks’ heads slowly becomes patchy and fades. This makes their heads look a bit like old metal that’s losing its color.