Help with identifying duck?

Stavros · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 07:04 PM

Hi, saw this duck and one like it on the canal in Wendover, Bucks. Can't find it in any books. It is BIG, maybe 30% to 50% longer than a mallard and must weigh 3x mallard. Head and neck much like a mallards but bigger, same irridescent green though. The whole body is dark irridescent green / blue. Brown feet.
Would love to know what it is, is it uncommon, etc.
Thanks, Steve

2dogs2000 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 07:27 PM

There was a thread in August about a mallard type duck but much bigger. It was suggested that it may be a Rouen. Look it up and see what you think. It is the only suggestion I can give. Hope it helps.

Welcome to WAB

Hobjob · #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 07:43 PM

Those curly tail feathers look very mallardy to me

There will be some proper experts along soon.

loripo · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 07:53 PM

Have a look at this old thread.
Green Duck

It give a link to a site with a photo of a black east indies - see what you think.

2dogs2000 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 07:56 PM

If you look up Rouen duck you will see they are 'giant mallards' and that is why I suggested Rouen. I agree that it looks 'mallardy'.

Stavros · #6 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 09:28 PM

Thanks for the quick replies! I looked at the green duck link but definitely not that one. I searched for Rouen and not that one either but came across the Cayuga Duck and it has to be that. E.g. see this link Cayuga Ducks: Species Information and Photos

Jason Claxton · #7 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 09:53 PM

Very interesting Stavoros,looks like a match

Picidae · #8 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stavros

is it uncommon, etc.
Thanks, Steve

It's a domestic duck (but not that common I don't think). It's either been turfed out deliberately or escaped. Beautiful ducks aren't they! (descendant from the American wild Black Duck which is very similar to/or ssp of Mallard - often bred with a bit of Rouen thrown in to get the size and/or Black East Indies in captivity so probably (without it's exact gene history known to us) everyone was a bit right here!!)

Just found this link which is interesting.
cayuga Ducks / Domestic waterfowl Club

Stavros · #9 (**permalink**) 13-10-2009, 07:45 AM

Thanks Picidae. Yes they are beautiful, the blues and greens reminded us of a peacock's tail feathers.

The two ducks we saw must both be males because there was no hint of white anywhere on them.

And presumably released / escaped too, though no idea where from. We usually see less common birds around the Tring reservoirs nearby rather than the canals, so it was a surprise seeing these monsters on the Wendover canal. It'll be interesting to see if they stay around.