Mallard / American Black Duck hybrid

Description:

The duck shown here is an male American Black Duck / Mallard hybrid. In the 2nd picture, he is shown next to a male mallard. The population size of the American Black duck has been on the decline (although not to the point of being on the conservation list). One of the reasons for this decline is hybridization with Mallards.

Habitat:

This hybrid duck was spotted lakeside in a local park. US tropical south, gulf coast FL.

Notes:

The Mallard and the American Black Duck are protected in the USA under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/Regula... http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Malla...