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Mallard hybrid

Anas platyrhynchos

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46.0947, 7.07048

Field Notes

Description:

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?

Habitat:

A pond with reeds and dense vegetation.

Notes:

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".

Reference Links:

Mallard

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (14)
The MnMs
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 :-)
DanielePralong
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!
The MnMs
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 :-)
Atul
i guess then i should be coming to see that place in a few months time
DanielePralong
Interesting fact Lori! My first time seeing a hybrid but I'm sure there's quite a lot of these around.
DanielePralong
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.
lori.tas
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.
Atul
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
DanielePralong
I agree Liam. The Pekin domestic duck is also Anas platyrhynchos.
Liam
Looks like a female Wildtype x Pekin hybrid.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
2011 Best Wildlife Photo
Mission
Ducks, swans and geese in Central Europe

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Photographed
PublishedAugust 12, 2011

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