Re: [cobirds] Re: Mexican Duck ID question (Pleasant View Marsh, Boulder Cty)

Thomas, Caleb,

Yes, as pointed out in a Facebook discussion earlier today, the bird appears to be a hybrid (albeit more Mexican looking than your average F1). The black uppertail coverts, as well as whitish rectrices and curling are indicative of Mallard genes, and in some photos the tertials appear gray-tinged as well (another Mallard trait). Pure Mexican Ducks also typically pop out as pretty dark, which this bird didn't to my eye in comparison to female Mallards it was photographed with (albeit still slightly darker). Still, a very cool bird with great discussion to be had.

Cheers,

David Tonnessen

Colorado Springs, CO

On Sat, Oct 24, 2020 at 9:58 PM Caleb A <calebscotta@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Thomas!

I'll start with a disclaimer: I'm not an expert on Mexican Ducks.

The reason I'm putting in a word is because I remember learning from a waterfowl presentation that Mallard ducks (both sexes) and Northern Shovelers are the only dabbling ducks that have white tail feathers. Since Mexican Duck is not either Mallard or Northern Shoveler, a pure Mexican Duck should not have white tail feathers. I do agree that this bird looks to have Mexican genes. The bill and head look consistent with Mexican, but the tail looks more Mallard to me. I'd suggest this is a Mexican x Mallard, although I'm eagerly awaiting the experts to weigh in on this one. Great photo!

The birds are happy, and so am I

~Caleb Alons, Larimer County

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David Andreas Tonnessen

Student @ CU Boulder

cell: 719-309-8572

Explore eBird and iNaturalist, citizen science databases. 

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