Date: 3/1/13 2:04 am
From: Bob Ringler <ringler.bob...>
Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Canvasback-Mallard?


Hugh,
This is probably a Mallard breed, not a hybrid. There are dozens of
breeds of Mallards that have been produced over the centuries and they all
have their own names. They range from all-white (Pekin Duck) to all-dark
irridescent feathers (Cayuga Duck), some with white chests (Duclair Duck),
a variety of colors (Magpie Duck, Blue Swedish Duck), unusual head plumages
(Bali Duck), very large birds (Rouen Duck), very small birds (Call Duck),
birds that stand erect and run (Indian Runner), birds that appear leucistic
(Blue Campbell, Buff Orpington), and on and on. Mallard breeds are a zoo
unto themselves. Many are bred for show like dogs, some for meat, some for
decoys, some as pets. That's most of what I have found about breeds. You
might be able to find your bird by doing a websearch but give yourself a
full day.
Most odd-plumaged Mallards that are observed in the wild are not hybrids
but breeds that have escaped or were released. They mix freely with wild
birds but are often found in parks where someone feeds the ducks. The
breeds I have seen most often are Duclair Duck, Pekin Duck, and Cayuga Duck.


> Bob Ringler
>
> Eldersburg MD

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