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Mallard Duck & Ducklings

Anas platyrhynchos

Photo by QWMom
Published on Project Noah
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34.0058, -84.5901

Field Notes

Description:

This is the same pond where I've seen beaver activity (though no beavers yet) and the goslings. On this visit, I spotted a hen with two ducklings. While I am not 100% certain that the hen is a mallard (I never saw the speculum or the white border to it, and could not rule out "Mottled Duck") I am going to assume that they are mallards because that species and hybrids thereof are so widespread. (I have also seen a male mallard hanging around this and another nearby pond.)

Thanks, Liam for the insights!

Habitat:

According to Georgia DNR publications: "Breeding mallards seen in Georgia are feral, i.e. escaped or released from captivity, there are no truly wild mallards breeding in Georgia."

Notes:

Spotted at a wooded detention/retention pond in an office building complex in Kennesaw, GA

Add'l web ref says:
http://naturalhistory.uga.edu/~GMNH/gawildlife/index.php?page=speciespa…
"Many Mallard in the East are of domestic origin or have bred with domestic ducks. This interbreeding has caused a high degree of variation in Mallard plumage. The female Mallard would be more easily confused with other species than the male. One distinguishing characteristic of the female Mallard is its orange bill with black markings."

Reference Links:

Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos - Overview, Mallard, Waterfowl Management in Georgia | Georgia DNR - Wildlife Resources Division

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
QWMom
Ok, thanks! And Georgia DNR is where I got the info on there being "no" mallard natives in GA. Doesn't mean it's right, just means I thought it was a trust-worthy source! :)
Liam
"Muddled" Ducks (Mallard x Mottled hybrid) would be nearly unheard of so far from the coast and are usually more tawny in coloration with a clean, greenish bill and a black gape spot. Black Duck hybrids are rare in Georgia this time of year and are typically darker with a dark tail. From what I can see, the tail is white (photos 2 and 4). Personally, I don't see anything against pure Mallard. The species does have a great amount of individual variation. Concerning the provenance of Mallards in Georgia, see my other comment: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/24096183
QWMom
From what I understand, mallards have muddied up the gene pool, so I wouldn't be surprised at a mutt of a wild duck. Hopefully Liam can help. Thx for your comments, Malcolm!
Malcolm Wilton-Jones
It doesn't look quite right for either, the dark tail is suggestive of American Black Duck but the bill is wrong for all unless its going into eclipse. Possibly a hybrid? Liam should know.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Wildlife of the South East, USA
Mission
Backyard Birding Southeastern USA
Mission
Southern Romance
Mission
Invasive Species of Southeastern US
Photographed
PublishedMay 14, 2013

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