. . . designed by Kate Humble, who, as well as being an adventurer, is also a WWT Vice President
This design reflects what happens to Mallard drakes in the summer when they moult, losing their bright mating plumage. During this moult they also lose their flight feathers, so it is important that they are well camouflaged to try to keep safe from predators. Once their flight feathers have regrown (which can take anything from a few weeks to a few months) they go through another, less extreme, moult where they regain their bright colours. The moult colouring is called 'eclipse plumage'.
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