Gadwall Mallard Cross Breed?

[Chris Knight]

This one was at Colusa NWR Northern California. Have never seen one like this before. My guess would be a mallard cross due to neck ring he also did not have the brown crown as been on Gad Drakes.He seemed to have himself a mate too. These 2 were together all morning and having disputes with the other Gadwall pairs.http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/photos/414742968_fkHwH-L.jpg

[Wayne Richardson]

Hi Chris

The only obvious odd feature is the white collar, which is actually much broader than you would expect on a normal wild Mallard.

Most hybrids exhibit characteristics from both parents. However, there are no drake Mallard features in evidence here, e.g yellow bill, green head, purplish-brown breast or black curly tail feathers. On the other hand, nearly all male Gadwall plumage details are present where expected.

I would surmise this is just an aberrant individual, which do occur from time to time in most species.

Cheers: Wayne