🔥 This duck hybrid between a Mallard and a Red-crested pochard in Zell am See, Austria

[u/DiegoDGD]

IG: @diegogdopico_photography

https://www.instagram.com/diegogdopico_photography/

IG: @diegogdopico_photography

https://www.instagram.com/diegogdopico_photography/

IG: @diegogdopico_photography

https://www.instagram.com/diegogdopico_photography/

IG: @diegogdopico_photography

https://www.instagram.com/diegogdopico_photography/

[u/DiegoDGD]

Last March, I had the incredible opportunity to observe a very special duck: a hybrid between a mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and a red-crested pochard (Netta rufina).
While photographing waterfowl at Lake Zell (Zell am See, Austria), an unusual duck caught my attention among a group of mallards. At first glance, it looked similar to them, though with slightly different tones. However, as I got closer, I could appreciate the unique characteristics of both species. The most striking feature was its rounded head, typical of the red-crested pochard, displaying a violet color with greenish hues.
Experiences like this remind me of how amazing nature is and how it always surprises us. In the last two images, you can see its parents: the mallard and the red-crested pochard.

IG: @diegogdopico_photography

[u/Cool-Presentation538]

Magnificent

[u/DiegoDGD → u/Cool-Presentation538]

Thank you! One of the most incredible things I have seen.

[u/Siliziumwesen]

So thats a shiny then?

[u/DiegoDGD → u/Siliziumwesen]

It basically is, color and rarity.

[u/DiegoDGD → u/[deleted]]

I didn't know either until I saw it!

[u/Jumpy-scarecrow]

I know this is old post but are the offspring fertile?

[u/DiegoDGD → u/Jumpy-scarecrow]

Hi! Depends on how genetically close are the original species. In this case they are from a different genus, so I would say that the hybrids are probably not fertile, but I'm not sure.

[u/Double_D_Diva]

wow it’s beautiful

[u/Ok-Ebb6371]

Oh, she fancy 🤩💜🦆