duckDNA

Huge thanks to Kateo Faaiu for submitting this incredible leucistic intersex Wild Mallard x Game-Farm Mallard hybrid from the Seattle area this past January.

Leucistic Mallards, commonly referred to as blonde Mallards, are already exceptionally rare, and like most we've tested, this bird carries game-farm genetics. Yet its light plumage is only part of what makes this bird so fascinating.

Based on plumage alone, this duck appears to be a male. It displays several classic drake characteristics, including a white neck collar, curled tail feathers, a light chestnut-brown breast, and a darker head. However, its bill tells a different story. The bill shows a pronounced dark saddle and an orange tip, hinting at this bird’s uniqueness. Genetic testing confirmed this bird was in fact female but had begun to display male plumage.

Intersex ducks like this one are affected by hormonal imbalances that can result from a variety of causes, including ovarian injury, disease, or old age. Its other unique trait—leucism—is produced by a rare genetic condition, making the occurrence of both traits in the same bird exceptionally uncommon!

Whatever the explanation, thanks to genetic testing, we know this bird is truly one of a kind —a leucistic, intersex, hybrid Mallard.

#duckDNA #waterfowlscience #duckhunting #duckhybrid #mallard