Duck Identification

[SpiderPig]

Any orninologists out there ?

I've recently seen some ducks on the local canal which I can't identify. I'd give a link to photos - but when I've taken my camera they're not there.

They are the size of mallards, with brown plumage, apart from a white breast. I've looked through some field guides and several websites, with no luck.

Purely out of curiosity - I'd like to know what they were.

Thanks in advance.

[Thunderbird+]

I wonder if they could be shovler's, the brown plumage and white breast seem to fit the bill. Try and get a close look at the bill, if they're shovlers it will be destinctivly broad and flat, like a shovel. Good Luck. Tbird+

[SpiderPig]

No, they had no distinctive bill, and from memory, they seemed completely chocolately brown with just the breast white.

I'm wondering if they're just some version of farm ducks. Or some Mallard cross. I'm just curious. If I get down there next week, I'll take my camera again. Thanks for your reply.

[Noweia]

mallards do cross with domestic ducks and can throw up some interesting colours - I saw a yellowish one the other day. Does this one look like yours?

http://www.rampantscotland.com/colour/graphics /mallard_cross_drumpellier02780a.jpg

[SpiderPig]

Is was a dark chocolate brown - but otherwise it did look like that. Thanks for your reply.