Ducks At A Distance

Identifying a Gadwall v Female Mallard


I place this video together because I used to find it hard to identify a gadwall amongst a flight of female mallards. Both the male and female gadwall have a white patch at the base of the hind wing. The female mallard has a blue patch in the same place. This is the simplest way to tell them apart particularly at a distance. Video was taken at Slimbridge WWT in March 2008. Edited in IMovie HD 6.0.4. Filmed on handheld Canon MV880X.

Recommended Reading

What types of ducks are these?

We hatched these in my classroom about 4 months ago from a duck egg “grab bag”. I reckon the small, dark duck is a female mallard and the larger auburn duck is a female Khaki Campbell, but what is the duck with the white and auburn pattern? Is it also a girl? Also, is its beak changing colors, because this new, mottled look took us by surprise!
Thanks for your help!!

my mystery ducks

Recommended Reading

Would a mallard nest in a tree?

I live in minnesota and I have a female mallard in a big hole in one of my trees. I’ve never seen her leave so I’m assuming she has eggs. I thought at first it was a wood duck but upon closer inspection it is a mallard. I’m unable to see inside very well as it is pretty high up. Just curious as if this is possible as I thought mallards only nested on the ground.

Recommended Reading

Powered by Yahoo! Answers