Male and female mallards exhibit distinct plumage differences. Drakes have a vibrant green head, a white collar, a chestnut breast, and gray body, while hens are mottled brown with a darker crown and an orange bill, sometimes with black markings. Both sexes share a distinctive blue speculum bordered by white on their wings.

Male (Drake) Mallard:
• Head: Glossy, iridescent green.
• Neck: White collar separating the green head from the breast.
• Breast: Rich chestnut brown.
• Body: Grayish-brown with black on the rear.
• Bill: Yellow.
• Legs and Feet: Orange.
• Tail: Whitish with two curled black feathers extending upwards.
• Wing: Iridescent blue speculum (wing patch) bordered by white.

Female (Hen) Mallard:
• Plumage: Mottled brown, a mix of buff and darker brown.
• Head: Darker crown.
• Bill: Orange, sometimes with black markings.
• Legs and Feet: Orange.
• Wing: Iridescent blue speculum bordered by white.

Key Differences:

• Coloration: Males are much more brightly colored with green head and chestnut breast, while females are predominantly brown with less vibrant markings.
• Bill Color: Males have a yellow bill, while females have an orange bill with potential black markings.
• Vocalizations: Males make a softer, lower-pitched sound, while females make a louder, more typical duck quack.