One for the Ornithologists

[sparkythecat]

This mallard drake took up residence on the canal basin a few days ago. He's got some abnormality of his feathering that makes him look as though he's either wearing a ridiculous hat or has turned punk!

Apologies for the picture quality, but can anyone explain what's wrong with him?





>>> Edited by sparkythecat on Sunday 6th February 10:27

[Eric Mc]

Photoshopitis?

[sparkythecat]

Eric Mc said:

Photoshopitis?

No, definitely not!

[selmer]

Bad hair day.
Sorry, the only thing I can suggest is that ducks, or at least the ducks around here, are notorious for inbreeding. At Ayton down the road there are some freakishly large birds, which range in colour from orange to black, butstill with mallard (sp?) markings.
So don't point and stare, you wouldn't like it.

[Monkey Boy 1]

Looks as if one of his parents might have been a Tufted Duck, but not sure.

[focused]

He's quackers

[DanBoy]

Some say Elvis is dead. Others say he went home. I say he turned into a duck.

[tvrforever]

we've got loads of those on the lakes here - not sure what type of duck they are though...

certainly like sliced bread!

[mybrainhurts]

Early formation of antlers.

Breed is known as Getuducky Stagiatus.

[glocko]

Monkey Boy 1 said:

Looks as if one of his parents might have been a Tufted Duck, but not sure.

Sorry to be a pedant but the growth is on the crown whereas the tufted duck has the tuft more towards the nape.
Mallards interbreed readily so could be one of the crowned species.

[mybrainhurts]

Flying rabits, eh.....?

[groucho]

He's probably not a true mallard. A cross-breed with an ornamental duck.

Grouch.

[jmorgan]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm, orange sauce