American black duck - note greenish bill
This duck looks a lot like a mallard, don't you agree? It's certainly not "black" as it's name implies. But if you see black ducks with mallards they truly are a few shades darker brown. And this one was hanging out with mallards. (They frequently mate with them too, but their ducklings are sterile.)
The green bill is one telltale sign and the...
Note pinkish feathers
pink feathers on the wing (instead of blue) is another.
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Pink feathers? I love that!
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful shots. The reflection of the duck in the water is perfection.
Great post on the Black ducks. Your photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe reflection and the pink feathers make the photos very interesting and fun to view!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the ID lesson. It's the subtle differences one needs to look for.
ReplyDeletelove that green bill and the reflections is green and beautiful. a first for me and I like these ducks.
ReplyDeletethe pink is certainly interesting!
ReplyDeleteSuch interesting quack facks! Who woulda believed that a brown duck could have pink feathers!
ReplyDeleteNice note on the pinkish feathers. Who knew? Nice ones of these fine feathered friends.
ReplyDeleteBlack ducks and mallards must be two different species like horses and donkeys...they can mate but their offspring is sterile.
ReplyDeleteSo why do you think they're called "black" ducks when they're not black?
Good eye EG!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever noticed these before, but maybe I am not looking carefully enough.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this - I have seen these guys on occasion and wondered about the different colouring.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the education. I am not aware of seeing a Black Duck before, but I'll keep a closer lookout the next time I see what I think are Mallards.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if she flew in just to get her feathers dyed.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a knowledgeable bird observer, EG. Thanks for today's lesson.
ReplyDeleteThat's a happy looking duck!
ReplyDeleteI always learn something from your descriptions of your nature photos. This shot is So Clear!
ReplyDeleteDarla
Great pix and some facts I had no idea about -- thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteSeeing the pink feather was a surprise there. The somewhat burnt brown is striking. Great nature lesson. My CC post.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteMy CC pic is up too.
Well I learned something today. Pink feathers and a green bill. Love the reflection.
ReplyDeleteNice pics! I love ducks!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteRegards ad best wishes
wow, each of these is just beautiful!
ReplyDeletei also like the reflections in the first shot.
have a happy week ahead!