By late summer, the male Mallard’s need for fancy feathers to attract females has passed.

These birds have molted, and their bright feathers are replaced with mottled brown ones.

Subdued colors help camouflage the male ducks, protecting them from predators.

Come fall, the male Mallards will molt again and become the colorful dandies we remember.

Learn more about Mallards and any other bird that strikes your fancy by clicking here.