There is a thriving population of mallard ducks in Portland. There are many duck ponds that are protected and allow a safe habitat for these beautiful ducks.
Male Mallards have feathers on their head that can change color. It can be green, blue, or purple depending on how the light hits it. This iridescence is caused by refraction of light waves. The feather structures split light into its component colors much like a prism. This can also be seen on the heads of male hummingbirds. If you scan through this gallery you will see different hues depending on the angle of the light relative to the duck.
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