8 replies to this topic

[MockMock]

I am guessing that this is some type of hybrid. Based on the beak being very light in color, I was thinking a Mallard/Goose or Mallard/Farm duck? Might not ever know, but he/she sure was cute!
Taken a couple of days ago in Charlotte, NC.

Attached Files

•  Hybrid Duck.jpg   138.54K   60 downloads

[blackburnian]

It's domesticated, maybe Muscovy?

[BarnSwallow]

I'd say probably domestic mallard, but I'll wait for Liam! A duck couldn't hybridize with a goose. Species have to be very closely related to be able to hybridize. The domesticated mallards aren't hybrids - they are pure mallard. A hybrid is a cross between two species. A crossbred is a cross between two breeds of the same species.

[TheBillyPilgrim]

Looks like a domestic mallard, to me.

[jdeitsch]

Looks like a domestic mallard, to me.

agreed

[Liam]

This is a "Mulard", a Muscovy Duck x Mallard hybrid - note the difference in the bill and proportions from normal domestic Mallards. Here are a couple similar specimens:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenb/357821394/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhode2boston/2383463389/

A duck couldn't hybridize with a goose. Species have to be very closely related to be able to hybridize.

Depends on the "Goose".
Mallards will hybridize with Egyptian Geese. However, Egyptian Geese aren't true geese.

As for the latter sentence, check out this hybrid! Nicknamed a "swoose". Swan x Goose hybrids aren't impossible, there have been a handful of records. That particular hybrid happens to be a Mute Swan x Anser sp.

[cestma]

Whoa!!--swoose!

[MockMock]

Thank you to everyone for your answers.
Liam, I can see the Muscovy. That was the part I couldn't put a name on. Thank you so much.

[ginspin16]

when i was growing we had some geese & ducks. there was a mallard drake that tried for several days to mate with a goose. he just couldn't get the logistics worked out. he wanted to hold on to the back of her neck with his bill to keep from sliding off, but then the back parts didn't reach.