hybrid duck ID [Netherlands] (1 Viewer)

[annelikesbirds]

Hello!

I went out for a walk today and was really excited to see some tufted ducks in the normally mallard-dominated pond... until I noticed the eye and bill colour of the duck in the first picture. The duck in the second picture looks 'better', but there were so many hybrids in the pond that I'm leaving it to you to decide Could anyone please identify both ducks? Any tips on how to determine parent species?

And finally I have a question about names: in Dutch one would call the duck in the third picture a 'soup duck' (which of course isn't 'scientific' in any way). In English I've only ever come across 'domestic mallard' - surely you have a better (funnier!) name for them?

Thank you!

 

[foresttwitcher]

3. In the UK we tend to use the derogatory term 'Manky Mallards' for these domestic type Mallards.

 

[Swannery Steve]

The 1st two both look OK for pure Tufties IMHO. The 1st a juv. the 2nd a male in eclipse.

Steve

 

[fugl]

And finally I have a question about names: in Dutch one would call the duck in the third picture a 'soup duck' (which of course isn't 'scientific' in any way). In English I've only ever come across 'domestic mallard' - surely you have a better (funnier!) name for them?

They're often referred to as "hybrid ducks/mallards" in the States and less commonly as "barnyard ducks/mallards" (the name I personally tend to use). But you're right, for most birdwatchers (as opposed to the general public), they're just "(feral) domestic mallards".

 

[annelikesbirds]

Thanks! For some reason neither of my bird books show any examples of juvenile ducks and 'like female' only ends up confusing me

Manky mallard does have a ring to it...