Duck ID in California (1 Viewer)

[Hockey.Lover]

I saw these ducks at two different locations. The first two images were at Palo Alto and the last three images were taken in Oakland at Lake Merritt. I couldn't find anything that looked like these in my Sibley's (which is the only ID book that I presently have). Questions:

1) Are these Mallard type hybrids

2) Are all these images the same type ducks

3) Any idea what is on the head of image #4 (I also have other angles, if needed).

Thanks for any help.

Gail

 

[Dave B Smith]

Hey Gail,
All versions of the farmyard Mallard, even the one with the "Topknot". Note the curly feathers on the tail of the Drakes. Good photos.

 

[Hockey.Lover]

Hey Gail,
All versions of the farmyard Mallard, even the one with the "Topknot". Note the curly feathers on the tail of the Drakes. Good photos.

Thank you, Dave. I definitely did note the curly feathers on the tail.

 

[AlexC]

Yes - farmyard/domestic Mallards. That tuft on the head is a feature brought about through domestic breeding.

 

[Hockey.Lover]

Yes - farmyard/domestic Mallards. That tuft on the head is a feature brought about through domestic breeding.

Thanks, Alex. IMHO, that is one fugly duck.

 

[AlexC]

Thanks, Alex. IMHO, that is one fugly duck.

lol - I agree. Does anyone know the origin of this "desired feature"? Was it during the Victorian era or something?