Beautiful domestic duck!

pammosley · #1 (**permalink**) 24-01-2010, 05:10 PM

Hi folks, we went to Coombe Country Park today & spotted this beautiful duck amongst the Greylags, Mute Swans & Mallards. No idea what he is but the colours are fantastic

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 24-01-2010, 05:11 PM

Its a melanic Drake mallard. Nice looking bird. Probrably of domesticated stock.

RoyW · #3 (**permalink**) 24-01-2010, 05:29 PM

It's a breed of domestic Mallard known as a 'Cayuga' duck.

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 24-01-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyW

It's a breed of domestic Mallard known as a 'Cayuga' duck.

So this is not melanic?

RoyW · #5 (**permalink**) 24-01-2010, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

So this is not melanic?

I didn't say it wasn't!
The breed was probably originally breed from melanistic individuals, which is what gives them the dark colour, if so all descendants would also be melanic (with additional selective breeding to further develop the glossy colours).

pammosley · #6 (**permalink**) 25-01-2010, 07:06 AM

Thanks to you both for looking & the info. I will know what they are in the future

Dogghound · #7 (**permalink**) 25-01-2010, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyW

I didn't say it wasn't!
The breed was probably originally breed from melanistic individuals, which is what gives them the dark colour, if so all descendants would also be melanic (with additional selective breeding to further develop the glossy colours).

Sorry Roy I was just asking not doubting your answer. Cheers.