Blue-headed Mallard

Description:

It is a duck with the same unremarkable features but this one has a Purple-BLUE head instead of the bright green that is more commonly seen. From discussions on Bird Forums I understand this can be a trick of the light (NOT in this case), a mutation or something diet-related. Would love to hear from my friends on PN if they have seen a similar mallard or if they know why this colour variation happens.

Habitat:

A lake with an island in the Golden Acre Park...137 acres of woodland with marsh and everything! There are Moorhens, Mute swans, Cormorants and other aquatic birds that use this lake. People can feed them but the birds are free-living.

Notes:

My sister noticed this unusually coloured bird and called out to draw our attention to it. Initially I sort of ignored it... was busy trying to photograph an amorous male Swan in pursuit of a disdainful female. Besides with the Sun in my eye, I wasn't sure it wasn't a trick of the light. However, we did take some shots. I requested my brother in law, Dr Arup Ray to allow me to post the shots he took because his camera is infinitely better. The first two shots are his. The third one is mine using my small Aim and Shoot.