Characteristics of Breast Feathers, Down, and Eggs Descriptions of the breast feathers, down, and eggs of ground-nesting ducks commonly found in the prairie pothole region follow. Species that might easily be confused are grouped together. Mallard Breast feathers of mallards are relatively larger than those of other ducks described. The central area is brown and extends in a broad pattern to the tip of the feather. Usually a suggestion of a cross or mottling is noted in the feather pattern.
Distal margins are distinctly cinnamon colored.
Mallard breast feather patterns vary considerably. Down feathers are light brown with a white center and little or no frosting on the tips. Eggs are larger than those of other dabbling ducks described and are usually pale olive buff or various shades of brown. A typical breast feather pattern has a dark brown base extending in a narrow, well-defined strip to the distal tip of the feather. The lateral margins of this brown strip are light tan.