Laysan Duck x Mallard hybrid

Laysan Duck Anas laysanensis x Mallard Anas platyrhynchos hybrid

This collection has held pure, or at least pure-looking, Laysan Ducks previously, but as far as I am aware had not had any for some time when this was there. Superficially it is very similar to Laysan Duck, but I think it must be a hybrid with Mallard. Although not obvious at every angle, there seems to be far too much green on the head for a pure Laysan Duck, and although pure Laysan Ducks do show a slight upcurve to the central tail coverts, the extent of this one's curve seems too great for a pure Laysan Duck.

captive Laysan Duck x Mallard hybrid, Blakeney Quayside collection (Norfolk, UK), 17th March 2019

captive Laysan Duck x Mallard hybrid, Blakeney Quayside collection (Norfolk, UK), 27th October 2018

captive Laysan Duck x Mallard hybrid, Blakeney Quayside collection (Norfolk, UK), 20th March 2019

For comparison, here are photos of the parent species.

captive Laysan Duck, Blakeney Quayside collection (Norfolk, UK), 23rd December 2015 and Mallard, Seahouses (Northumberland, UK), 5th February 2023

For more photos of these species follow the links below: