Mallard hybrid? Cambridge, UK (1 Viewer)

[Twitchy_lizzy]

Hi everyone, I’m struggling to identify this pair of ducks that I saw this afternoon. Apologies for the poor quality it was very foggy!

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

I can't see anything which conclusively points to hybrid influence rather than domestic Mallards.

 

[Butty]

Welcome to BF.
They're domestic ducks - not hybridised.

 

[Twitchy_lizzy]

Thanks! Could you explain to me how you know? I’m trying to learn as much as I can

 

[Butty]

Because...
1. They look like nothing that's in your field guide!
2. Domestic ducks can look like pretty much anything - but...
3. As it happens, these are both standard domestic duck types (don't ask me the names - no idea).
4. There's no obvious features that you could link to other species.

 

[Twitchy_lizzy]

Because...
1. They look like nothing that's in your field guide!
2. Domestic ducks can look like pretty much anything - but...
3. As it happens, these are both standard domestic duck types (don't ask me the names - no idea).
4. There's no obvious features that you could link to other species.

Thank you! Think I’m starting to get my head around it now.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

If you google 'bibbed Mallards' you can see birds that look like both of these.

(Edit - or 'Duclair Duck' for the first one in particular)

 

[Farnboro John]

Just another form of domestic Mallard.

My team traditionally calls these "dipper ducks" - I'm sure you can see why.....

John