ID Help - American Black Duck? (1 Viewer)

[bicchawla]

Saw this one yesterday at Lynde Shores Conservation Area in Whitby, just east of Toronto. I’m leaning towards American Black Duck, but maybe Mallard?

Any help is welcome.

Thanks

 

[nartreb]

Mallard or mostly-mallard. Note how nearly-white the tail is. Also, there's not much contrast between the head and the body, and the primaries are rather pale.
Note that hybrids and back-crosses are common...

 

[bicchawla]

Mallard or mostly-mallard. Note how nearly-white the tail is. Also, there's not much contrast between the head and the body, and the primaries are rather pale.
Note that hybrids and back-crosses are common...

Thank you! Appreciate the explanation.

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

Mallard or mostly-mallard. Note how nearly-white the tail is. Also, there's not much contrast between the head and the body, and the primaries are rather pale.
Note that hybrids and back-crosses are common...

Not a pure mallard either with that dark flank pattern (which differs from dark domestic ducks flank pattern) and with yellowgreen bill and black uppertail coverts

 

[bicchawla]

Thanks, everyone. Here's another angle for what it's worth.

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

Looks much closer to American black duck on this photo with somewhat contrasting head- but still not a fully pure one, I think...

 

[bicchawla]

Looks much closer to American black duck on this photo with somewhat contrasting head- but still not a fully pure one, I think...

Thanks!