MallardxMuscovy Hybrid

[Loring Danforth]

I was on the Auburn side of the Androscoggin just south of the Longley Bridge this afternoon and saw a very strange duck. I am pretty sure (after some research) that it is a Mallard x Muscovy Duck hybrid, which is also known as a Mule Duck or a Mulard. I attach a photo of such a bird from the internet. It is not my photo of the bird I saw. but it matches it very well. It was huge compared to mallards nearby, all dark brown with some green iridescence in the wings. The continuing green winged teal was also there. And a male and female peregrine were both on the spire of the Franco American Heritage Center.

All the best, Danny

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Loring M. Danforth

Charles A. Dana Professor of Anthropology Emeritus

Bates College

446 College St.

Lewiston, ME 04240