Costa Rican Duck 01

[David]

The ducks in the photos below were all photographed June 2 at INBioparque, Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica. They were enjoying themselves in a large pond, in the center of the preserve. I believe they were not captive.

It is possible that the photos are of 2 or more species.

[Uropsalis rex]

These birds are hybrids between Mallards Anas platyrhynchos and the domestic form of Muscovy DucksCairina moschata. They area fairly common hybrid near human settlement as both are popular domestic ducks, thought they can become feral.

[David]

Thanks very much.  I recall how much trouble Mallards gave Linnaeus, so don't feel so bad in not figuring out that these guys were hybrids.

Thanks again.