Hi Jenny,
Obviously the white bird is one of the many forms of the domesticated Northern Mallard. In New Zealand the introduced Northern Mallard is a major problem interbreeding with the native Grey (Pacific Black) Duck. The darker bird following is possibly a hybrid as it does not really show the clear cut facial pattern of the Pacific Black Duck but the lighting is not good. The mallard is not yet much of a problem in Australia but these birds should all be removed from the wild as a precaution. It is doubtful the genuine, wild Northern Mallard has ever been recorded in Australia.
Where was the photo taken?
Cheers,
Mark
From: Jenny Smits [
Sent: Tuesday, 25 November 2014 10:01 AM
To: COG List
Subject: [canberrabirds] duck hybrids
Hi Cog list, can anyone help with this duck ID submitted to questabird?
The consensus so far is that is a black duck hybrid with a domestic mallard but I have no experience with hybrids….
Thanks for your help
Jenny
