entry smap 243: female mallard

this photo of a female mallard is my contest entry

the female mallard is easily distinguished from the more colorful male. the hen's mottled brown plumage and the dull orange bill are well suited for camouflage in vegetation during nesting. what the females lack in coloration they make up for interesting patterns of lighter and darker browns. the females are also the only ones making the loud typical quack that these ducks are famous for. the quacks are mostly calls to communicate with her ducklings or other members of the flock

sometimes the wings are folded in such a way that a striking bluish purple wing patch or speculum is revealed