Hybrid Mallard

[Mike G]

I think this is a hybrid Mallard, taken in Lucerne 2015.
Nikon D810 + Nikkor 24-120mm @ 1/200 f5.6 ISO280

[Nikkor Shooter]

A Mallard yes, a hybrid maybe… but a female for sure, Mike.

[Mike G]

A Mallard yes, a hybrid maybe… but a female for sure, Mike.

I was under the impression that a yellow bill means it was a male!

PS, just checked my birds app and you are right it’s a girlie.
My apologies.

[Nikkor Shooter]

No apologies necessary, Sir!

I also have to learn things and I am happy to be corrected.

[JohnMM]

I was under the impression that a yellow bill means it was a male!

PS, just checked my birds app and you are right it’s a girlie.
My apologies.

I think that you are right about the bill. It might be a male mallard in so-called "eclipse" plumage during moulting. A young bird might be another possibility.

[Nikkor Shooter]

The female Mallard does not have such a big black cap.
The Indian Runner drake will have such bright yellow bill.
The Mallard drake has an iridescent dark green to dark blue head.

I think this is a healthy multiple-generation hybrid female knowing
that mallards are fornicators and often serial gang bang rapists.

[Mike G]

The female Mallard does not have such a big black cap.
The Indian Runner drake will have such bright yellow bill.
The Mallard drake has an iridescent dark green to dark blue head.

I think this is a healthy multiple-generation hybrid female knowing
that mallards are fornicators and often serial gang bang rapists.

NS, I’ve noticed on my continental travels that there are a lot of Mallard ducks and drakes where the plumage is not the usual. The green head plumage of drakes in particular is very variable!
I have watched a drake rape and the poor old duck was in a bit of a state after six or seven drakes had finished with her!
I would also think the Indian Runner has a different body shape, not as plump and leaner stretched out form.

[Nikkor Shooter]

NS, I’ve noticed on my continental travels that there are a lot of Mallard ducks and drakes where the plumage is not the usual. The green head plumage of drakes in particular is very variable!

Mallard hybridation it is but the specie type it is not I think.

I would also think the Indian Runner has a different body shape, not as plump and leaner stretched out form.

Correct… and a more vertical walk.