Which Duck?

PeterD · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:03 PM

Seen today on the church mill stream at Bosham Harbour. It seems to have the sheen at the head of a Mallard. Probably a cross (Mallard / ?) - any takers?

Thanks

Peter

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:16 PM

Not too sure, Peter. It's definately a mallard as you say, from the green head... the bill, shape and general jist say so too. I can't quite go any further just now, maybe a domestic one, a so-called 'Manky'?

Ferret · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:32 PM

Its a domestic Mallard "Farmyard Duck"

Picidae · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 11:07 PM

Yes, it's a domestic Mallard (what is known as a ''bibbed'' type!). Only thing it's crossed with is other Mallards (so not a hybrid of anything) and not a pure 'bred' domestic either. The further away they get from their wild Mallard ancestors the weirder and sometimes more beautiful they become!

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 11:08 PM

I take it Bibbed is a reference to the contrasting white chest?

Picidae · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

I take it Bibbed is a reference to the contrasting white chest?

I really didn't make that up btw but yes!

This link will give you some idea of the Frankensteins at work in the private duck breeding industry! A shame they can't control their pets better though, lots of dodgey genes getting into our wildlife population now

http://www.holderreadfarm.com/breeds...reeds_list.htm

Jason Green · #7 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 11:32 PM

I knew you didn't - thanks, Pic

PeterD · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Picidae

I really didn't make that up btw but yes!

This link will give you some idea of the Frankensteins at work in the private duck breeding industry! A shame they can't control their pets better though, lots of dodgey genes getting into our wildlife population now

http://www.holderreadfarm.com/breeds...reeds_list.htm

Thanks Pic/Jason

This one bird was mingling with a group of normal Mallards. At this time of the year, that can be a bit of a concern for the local population. What will result????

Thanks for the link Pic. What I cannot understand is why anyone would want to selectively breed Mallards. They are beautiful ducks in their natural plumage!

Peter

Ferret · #9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 08:18 AM

Hi Peter
Yes, I agree with you Mallards are very attractive in there own right, but they where not originally selectively bred for there looks but so that they layed more eggs for longer periods and had larger body's with a better meat to wast ratio. just like any other farm yard animal, the aesthetics only came later when farmers got richer and could afford to breed animals purely for show.

Ferret