Speculum feathers
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The speculum is a patch, often distinctly coloured, on the inner remiges of some birds.
Examples of the colour(s) of the speculum in a number of ducks are:
- Common Teal: Iridescent green.
- Green-winged Teal: Iridescent green.
- Blue-winged Teal: Iridescent blue.
- Pacific Black Duck: Iridescent green, edged light buff.
- Mallard: Iridescent purple-blue with white edges.
- American Black Duck: Iridescent purple-blue (not edged white).
- Northern Pintail: Iridescent greenish black, edged white at back and orange in front.
- Gadwall: Small and white, but only obvious in male
- Yellow-billed Duck: Iridescent green or blue, bordered white.
Bright wing speculums are also known from a number of other birds; among them are several parrots from the genus Amazona with red or orange speculums.
