Unknown ducks - Raleigh, NC (May 31, 2021) (7 Viewers)

[Jonah Bishop]

Here are two other ducks I was unable to identify today while at a lake in Raleigh, NC. There were a number of mallard ducks around the area, but the coloration on these seems so mottled. Perhaps these are immature mallards? I think the second image (5664) is an immature male mallard, as I can make out some green on his head. The other one, however, is puzzling me.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Jonah,
yes the second one is a male Mallard. Its moulting from the brightly coloured winter plumage to a duller eclipse plumage, more similar to a female

First one is difficult for me, it doesnt jump to me as a Mallard. Reason? Dont know, maybe

• dark pure blackish legs without any colour tinge (very rare at least in domestic Mallards)
• unusual peaked head profile
• unusual bill colour (yes its easy to see a Mallard with it)
• somewhat strange head pattern with bridled eyed look
• unusual breast coloration including orange center and white sides

Yes, Mallards come in a huge variety of colours and pattern, but I hope it has become clear, why I made an ID for the second bird (looks exactly like the Mallards I see in Europe) and cant comment on a duck from North-America, that doesnt look like a Mallard to me. might well be one, with some dirtened (oiled) plumge?

 

[KC Foggin]

Like Alexander, I'm not sure of the first one but the second one is a male Mallard.

 

[THE_FERN]

• Mallard to me. might well be one, with some dirtened (oiled) plumge?

Yes. Close examination of the bill suggests it's actually a dirty yellow colour. Lower parts of the plumage are soiled but unclear about the legs. Domestic Mallard for me