I saw this bird on the Thames near Old Windsor last week. Is one of its wings damaged? It's a bit larger than a mallard. Unusual black and white colouring on face. Many thanks. Peter C
Hi Peter
It's basically a domesticated Mallard which is somewhat unkindly referred to as a Manky Mallard. As you will see they can come in all shapes, sizes and colours as a result of selective breeding. The curly tail is a good indication of its Mallard origins.
It does appear to have a damaged wing. I did wonder whether its got a condition known as Angel Wing which is a deformity believed to be caused by consuming too much bread which not good for ducks or geese in large quantities. Hard to be sure though.