SREL Reprint #1977
Mallard-like ducks in the Playa Lakes Region
Alan M. Fedynich1 and Olin E. Rhodes Jr.1,2
1Dept. of Range and Wildlife Management, Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock, Texas 79409
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802
Introduction: The relationship of the Mallard (Anas plaiyrhynchos L.) to similar members of the genus Anas is often complex (Johnsgard 1961). Hybridization of Mallards with American Black Ducks (A. rubripes Brewster), Mottled Ducks (A. fulvigula maculosa S.), and Mexican Ducks (A. diazi R.), further complicates taxonomic status and identification of subgroups within the Mallard complex. Experimental crosses and back crosses of Anatini result in a broad range of overlapping phenotypes (Phillips 1915, 1921). Furthermore, subgroups within the Mallard complex are often difficult to differentiate using biochemical methods (Ankney et al. 1986, Hitchmough et al. 1990). Thus, for wild monomorphic hybrids within the Mallard complex, it may be difficult at best to determine the taxonomic status of both parental types based on plumage characteristics or biochemical analysis and nearly impossible to determine in which F₁ generation the bird belongs.
SREL Reprint #1977
Fedynich, A.M. and O.E. Rhodes Jr. 1995. Mallard like ducks in the Playa Lakes Region. The Wilson Bulletin 107:548-551.
This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).