American Black Duck Mallard X


The American Black Duck

Photographed by me on the shores of Lake Ontario - GTA


I believe the ducks in the following pictures are all males because their beaks are bright yellow to yellow-olive with black tips. The females have orange and black beaks. Some of the American Black Ducks that I photographed are hybrids –interbred with the Mallard, hence the iridescent green on the side of their heads. 



Notice the iridescent purple patches on their flanks below. This is a typical marking of the American Black Duck. The duck on the right, however, also has iridescent green on his head and the tail markings of a Mallard - he's a hybrid.



Their breeding grounds are very close to the shoreline and are hidden in shallow grassy areas.I didn't see any females that day so I assumed they were nesting nearby. Mates are monogamous and form strong bonds for the mating season and sometimes years.

The males I encountered were curious but guarded. This one came charging quickly –I gave him his space after capturing his reflection and wake.



Some of these ducks winter along Lake Ontario and Lake Erie – although some  migrate to the United States. I wonder if the fatter ones stay because they can't fly. People have a tendency to feed the ducks causing them to become human dependant.



A young fledgling swimming about.


Information was gained from Wikipedia, the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Photos are mine.

@countrygirl

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