Thursday, 17 September 2009

Australian Black Duck?


Is this an Australian Black Duck at Dowley Gap?
One of a pair

4 comments:

Mark D said...

Howdo
The head pattern fits Pacific Black Duck but the body is not dark ot plain enough. I presume it's a hybrid with Mallard.
You metion a pair, have you seen a second bird like this?

regards
Mark

Full Circle said...

Mark,
There are 2,one is much paler than the other and would appear to a female but head markings are similar. I agree that chances are that one could be a hybrid, but a pair?
They are much larger than mallard.
I have noticed a variety of body markings in the books and on the net. I also couldn`t get a good look at the wings i.e for the green flash
Regards
Roger P

Mark D said...

Hi Roger,

I think these birds are too pale to be the real deal. I still favour hybrids but there is definitely a lot of Pacific Black Duck in their make-up.

regards
Mark

Full Circle said...

Hi Mark,
I agree
Roger P