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Project Noah Nature School
Anas platyrhynchos
This duck spotted at a local pond has all the features of a female mallard, with the exception of a speckled white head. The duck was hanging out with a white domestic duck (also Anas platyrhynchos) and a male mallard (second shot). My guess is that the duck is a wild mallard x domestic hybrid. What do you think?
A pond with reeds and dense vegetation.
I've googled up images for wild mallard x domestic hybrids and have come up with all sorts of body markings but not this one. I guess the possibilities are endless. The male mallard on the second shot could have a touch of hybrid as well. This is the pond all all mysteries: together with local mallards and tufted ducks it's frequented by Asian visitors and South American escapees: just click on "nearby spottings".
Spotted on Jul 17, 2011
Submitted on Aug 12, 2011
14 Comments
Thanks, it is nice that we could do some exotic field trips to add new spottings in Noah :-)
and ducks are one of my favorite animals..i never get tired of seeing them :-)
Local ducks can be a never ending source of wonder Marta! When I looked up mallard hybrids I came up with all sorts of combinations... Looking forward to see yours. In the mean time I am enjoying your Mexican spottings!
It can very well be a hybrid. Here In Belgium I have also seen some that are mixed breedings with A. platyrhynchos and that look whiter and also light caramel white, compared to the wild species. I will post them some time :-)
Thanks Harsha!
Sweet. :)
Thank you Pulkit. He was a funny looking guy...
wow beautiful !!
i guess then i should be coming to see that place in a few months time
Interesting fact Lori! My first time seeing a hybrid but I'm sure there's quite a lot of these around.
Atul, you've seen my hybrid duck! The place will be interesting to visit in a few months time to see which of all these escapees and vagrants actually stay for the winter.
I've aways heard these domestic x wild hybrids called "pond" ducks. Because you usually find them around human frequented ponds and lakes - waiting for someone to throw them some bread.
wow Daniele you sure have a knack of spotting mystery ducks
anyways it surely is a mallard hybrid female
great spotting
waiting for a few more of these
I agree Liam. The Pekin domestic duck is also Anas platyrhynchos.
Looks like a female Wildtype x Pekin hybrid.