Two Ducks S Australia (1 Viewer)

[delia todd]

I saw these two on a log over the Murray River at Hogwash Bend in November 2019. They've remained unidentified all this time.




Are they both Mucky Mallards? Crossed with what do you think?

 

[Butty]

Domestic ducks. Not hybrids.

 

[nartreb]

Domestic mallards indeed. The bird on the right might be of the Cayuga or Black Swedish breed (mixed with some bulky, orange-footed farm breed).

 

[birdmeister]

Domestic mallards indeed. The bird on the right might be of the Cayuga or Black Swedish breed (mixed with some bulky, orange-footed farm breed).

Or possibly a domestic Muscovy x Mallard hybrid?

 

[delia todd]

LOL I didn't think they were ugly enough to be Muscovy!!!

 

[nartreb]

Or possibly a domestic Muscovy x Mallard hybrid?

Possibly. That was actually my first thought when I noticed the green sheen, but I corrected myself after reviewing photos of a couple of shiny mallard breeds. But now that I look more closely, the bill seems a little weird in color and pattern, with a possible hint of a fleshy pink bump at its base. Can be very hard to tell with domestics. Maybe Joern will opine.

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

They are indeed domestic crosses Mallard x Muscovy...

 

[delia todd]

Thanks so much Joern.... your input is really much appreciated.