We often see this mallard drake with a strange feathery head and are wondering how it is caused? Any suggestions?
It's a crested duck! They are fairly wide spread on ponds and canals where there are mallards. Aren't they lovely? Like powder puffs on their heads.
Cheers, Linda.
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Thanks for that, Sparrow. We just assumed it was a deformed mallard!
Crested duck is actually a domestic breed of mallard so, in a sense, it is a deformed mallard! This one could be a wild-domestic mallard hybrid. There is also South-American Crested Duck - a separate species, not even related to mallards, but it's definitely something else.
Crested duck indeed, I really must stop calling them 'pom-pom' ducks!
Well what is this one, phto'd it last year at Newmiller dam thinking it was in moult,the second was taken last week. Sorry pictures a bit dark Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Try again with second picture Ray
Thats a duck with "sideburns" or a ........."Elvis Duck" ;-)
A very old Shropshire Lad.
http://www.domestic-waterfowl.co.uk/crested.htm
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They are very comical. Here are two I saw on different occasions in different places.
I saw one of these today. I wonder if it's a particular breed?