We are a pair of Mottled/Mallard hybrid ducks
In hybrids, the differences are not obvious
For example, the small black patch at the base of our bills
Is a clear Mottled marking, but not to birders who are oblivious.
Note: I consulted with David for this post. He said, and I am quoting him here,
"The male in front has a yellow bill; the female has black/orange bill - the black is a typical mallard characteristic. The male is mostly mottled - except for the pale outer tail feathers, which is a mallard characteristic. Most hybrids show a little bit of curl in the tailfeathers, which is a mallard characteristic that shows in most hybrids, although it is not clear in this particular photo.
Black coverts under and on the top of the male's tail is a mallard characteristic, and the Mallard's actual tail is all white. Streaking in the face and supercilium on this female is typical of hybrids. The male doesn't show the streaking and is probably closer to a mottled than a mallard. The black spot at the base of the beak is a Mottled characteristic that almost always persists in hybrids.
Mallard/Mottled ducks are more likely to hybridize in urban areas - outside of urban areas you are more likely to see purebred mottled ducks. Most of the mallards we see in Florida are feral or domestic. Mallards have been domesticated for about 4,000 years."
Location: Possum Long Nature Center, Stuart
Sources: Consult with David Simpson.
Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson
