MaypoleBirder
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Presume a mallard hybrid? (UK) (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter MaypoleBirder
- Start date
Indobirder
Well-known member
Domestic Mallard.
Eg: first bird pictured here: http://birdhybrids.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-is-hybrid-hint-its-not-cross-breed.html
Eg: first bird pictured here: http://birdhybrids.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-is-hybrid-hint-its-not-cross-breed.html
MaypoleBirder
Member
Many thanks 
stevethehydra
Well-known member
Not a hybrid, a fairly common colour mutation of Mallard usually indicating some domestic descent. There are often one or two like this among "standard" Mallards on city park ponds, canals etc in the UK.
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
Sorry but ’colour mutations’ doesn’t really describe these plumages accurately - they are domestic breed(s) of Mallards that cross bred with wild Mallard at some point or first generation escapes of domestic breeds, not simply colour variants of the same breed (as here https://www.thesprucepets.com/what-is-a-color-mutation-390489) - and not ‘usually’ but always indicating a domestic duck provenance. In this case, possibly Black Swedish or other similar domestic breed
What’s That Weird Duck In The Local Pond?
Have you seen a weird duck you can’t identify? We’re here to help you sort it out.
blog.nature.org
Well we're splitting hairs (or feathers) here a bit, since domestic breeds are just artificial selection by human breeders to select for features, including coloration - all via mutation. So, tomato potato.Sorry but ’colour mutations’ doesn’t really describe these plumages accurately - they are domestic breed(s) of Mallards that cross bred with wild Mallard at some point or first generation escapes of domestic breeds, not simply colour variants of the same breed (as here https://www.thesprucepets.com/what-is-a-color-mutation-390489) - and not ‘usually’ but always indicating a domestic duck provenance. In this case, possibly Black Swedish or other similar domestic breed
For difference between ‘species’ and ‘breed’ see here https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320413510_Difference_Between_Breed_and_SpeciesWhat’s That Weird Duck In The Local Pond?
Have you seen a weird duck you can’t identify? We’re here to help you sort it out.
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
Perhaps you are splitting hairs? - a breed encompasses more than just the colour of a birds feathers but genetical physiological differences too ie structure. I posted the difference in the paper above.
“In birds, the term "Color Mutation" refers to a bird whose feathers exhibit a different color than you would normally find in the wild.” but does not include the other physical characteristics that are identified with breed. Rather like the different morphs/forms of some species of birds in the wild - variant in colour genes only.
My point was that these ducks are actually derived from specific breeds of domestic stock, not a just a colour mutated version of wild duck (whether or not that ‘usually’ indicates domestic heritage).
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I'm really glad we're quoting the rigorous minds over at TheSprucePets.com for defense of proper scientific terminology use. Truly priceless.
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
Seriously Alex, I am not sure what your problem is here.
I have said nothing that isn’t correct and I don’t recall mocking any of your posts in recent history.
Colour ‘mutation‘ in wild birds
(PDF) What Colour is that bird? The causes and recognition of common colour aberrations in birds
PDF | I n earlier times, when little or nothing was known about plumage pigmentation and mutations, aberrantly coloured wild birds were often regarded... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate
www.researchgate.net
Colour mutation in domestic birds
How to Breed for Color in Budgies
Feel free to PM you if I have inadvertently caused you some offence otherwise farewell buddy, have a nice day 👍
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Meant no offense. Just being cheeky, and felt like you were giving Steve a hard time unnecessarily. Cheers.
Deb Burhinus
Used to be well known! 😎
If I disagree with something another poster says, like everyone else on the forum, I have a right to say so. I wasn’t rude. I didn’t give anyone a ‘hard time’. You have every right to disagree with me (on this occasion you are incorrect btw) but your last post was rude, disrespectful and a pathetic attempt to make me look stupid. Over and out!
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