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MLoyko · Thursday 14th August 2008, 20:13

Hey Everyone!

I'm pretty sure these are female Mallards or possibly a male in there that hasn't moulted, but I know American Black Ducks can look pretty close but I don't think the time is right for them to be there.

The picture was taken around July 19th, At Lake Wallenpaupack, Poconos Pennsylvania USA.

Thanks for the Help!
Matt

J. Moore · Thursday 14th August 2008, 20:22

Hi Matt,

Definitely all mallards. American Black Duck has a speculum without white borders, and the speculum is typically purple, not blue. Also the body is much darker brown, with a contrasting light head.

I believe the two birds on the left are males in eclipse plumage. Note the yellow bill, gray head, and somewhat rusty coloration on the breast. The bird on the right is a female or juvenile. Note the orange bill. Nice photo by the way.

Best,
Jim

MLoyko · Thursday 14th August 2008, 20:32

Jim,

Thanks for clearing that up for me, and thank you for the picture comment and also suggesting the camera that took the picture!

Many thanks,
Matt

Thursday 14th August 2008, 20:13	#1
MLoyko d[-_-]b Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SE Pennsylvania Posts: 3,310	Female Mallards? NE Pennsylvania USA Hey Everyone! I'm pretty sure these are female Mallards or possibly a male in there that hasn't moulted, but I know American Black Ducks can look pretty close but I don't think the time is right for them to be there. The picture was taken around July 19th, At Lake Wallenpaupack, Poconos Pennsylvania USA. Thanks for the Help! Matt Attached Thumbnails __________________ Life List: 207 ... (as of Jan 2008) Latest Lifer(s): Pink-footed Goose, Whip-poor-will, Harlequin Duck, Common Goldeneye

Thursday 14th August 2008, 20:22	#2
J. Moore postmodern birder Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Washington D.C. area (formerly MA) Posts: 5,687	Hi Matt, Definitely all mallards. American Black Duck has a speculum without white borders, and the speculum is typically purple, not blue. Also the body is much darker brown, with a contrasting light head. I believe the two birds on the left are males in eclipse plumage. Note the yellow bill, gray head, and somewhat rusty coloration on the breast. The bird on the right is a female or juvenile. Note the orange bill. Nice photo by the way. Best, Jim __________________ Please report your bird sightings to eBird (http://ebird.org/content/ebird/about)!

Thursday 14th August 2008, 20:32	#3
MLoyko d[-_-]b Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SE Pennsylvania Posts: 3,310	Jim, Thanks for clearing that up for me, and thank you for the picture comment and also suggesting the camera that took the picture! Many thanks, Matt __________________ Life List: 207 ... (as of Jan 2008) Latest Lifer(s): Pink-footed Goose, Whip-poor-will, Harlequin Duck, Common Goldeneye

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