San Francisco, CA: Waterfowl ID (1 Viewer)

[LucaPCP]

I was birding in San Francisco since a long while, and I need help with IDs for three birds. I apologize for the photo quality; I was out only with my cellphone.

1. (photos 1, 2) Is this a Muscovy Duck? A domestic variant? Or a hybrid?
2. (photos 3, 4, 5) What is this?
3. (photo 6) What is this entirely white goose? A... "domestic goose" not to be found in the Sibley?

Many thanks, your help would be much appreciated!

Luca

 

[rkj]

All domestic ducks. The first two photos of a form derived from Muscovy Ducks, the rest derived from Mallards.

 

[LucaPCP]

Thanks! What does it mean, domestic duck?
Are they man-made hybrids? Or do they hybridize in city ponds? In what sense are they domestic?

Sorry for the trivial questions but I am not really familiar with the phenomenon…

 

[aeshna5]

All domestic ducks are derived from originally wild birds. Most domestic ducks have been selectively bred from Mallard for various traits- egg laying, meat & ornament. The other species domesticated is the Muscovy Duck from the Americas. The wild bird is much slimmer & darker than the domestic versions in your photo. All those above are derived from such stock even if they are now free living. Many town lakes show Mallard with features which show some domestic genes.

 

[Butty]

For avoidance of doubt . . . None of these birds is a hybrid (i.e. having more than one species in its genetic makeup).