A hybrid Mallard discovered at
Sweetwater Wetlands
26 February 2001
by Jim Parks

This unusual drake is likely the offspring of
a mating between "Common" Mallard (the familiar subspecies)
and "Mexican Duck" (Anas platyrhynchos diazi),
formerly a full species but now considered a Mallard subspecies.
Full-blooded male Mexican Mallards are similar in plumage
to females but with a greenish-yellow bill.

Typical Common X Mexican Mallards are less colorful
than the bird in these photos, with just a trace of green on the head,
chestnut on the breast, and gray in the wings.
Fertile hybrids are likely in this cross,
and the unusual coloration of this individual may result from
a back-cross of an F1 hybrid to a Common Mallard.

Another possible explanation is a cross between a wild Mallard
and any of several domesticated Mallard varieties
commonly kept as ornamentals.

For more information on birding at Sweetwater Wetlands,
please see SABO's Guide to Birding Hot Spots: Tucson and Vicinity

Photos Copyright 2001 Jim Parks
Use or distribution without the express consent of the photographer is prohibited by international law.

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