The mallard, also called drake or male duck, is the most common and most hunted duck in Latvia. Within its genus, it is the largest in size (58 cm, 750–1450 g).
At the beginning of the hunting season, both sexes resemble the female; by the end of September, males start acquiring their breeding plumage.
In flight, it is noticeable by a dark blue wing speculum with a white stripe at the front and rear and a white wing underside.
Hunted throughout the season, especially in August–September.
At the beginning of the season, the age of the mallard is determined by the tail feathers — young birds have tail feathers with notched edges, older birds have pointed feathers. By the end of the season, when earlier-hatched birds have already molted, the wing should be checked.
Sex can often be determined by the bill (males yellow or olive green, females orange with black spots), but variations occur, so when in doubt, it is safest to determine sex by the wing.
Updated: 13.01.2026