Mallard Male or Female?

[Kirk]

I bought some day old Mallards several months ago and they all appear to be hens based on their plumage. They all 3 have that mottled brown look. No green heads and no gray bodies. However, only 1 actually quacks. The other 2 sound like males. Lately though, it looks like they are getting grayer on their underparts. Do males start out looking like hens and then "molt" into the classic green head, etc.?

[goosedragon]

Yep when the mating season is over they tend to get plain (helps them hide you know) and when it is time to go courting they put on the fancy colors to impress the ladies,( OK yell all you want I know it is a natural process and they don't get to choose their colors I just fitted the answer to the question like telling a child where babies come from ~gd)

[Angela]

Do males start out looking like hens and then "molt" into the classic green head, etc.?

Yes and no
Mallard, Rouens, WH, and several other breeds all look alike when hatched. They do not "molt" into their adult plumage, it just takes time to achieve. It is easier to sex by sound, if you have the experience to do it.
I've a particular WH duck, 2-3 month old, that I would swear was a drake, if I didn't listen to her. She even has the green tint to her bill with an obvious black bean.....But I know she's a duck, and not a drake. Without a doubt, when she sounds off.
When they "molt" (which is the wrong term to apply to ducks), they will become drab again for a few months.

Angela

[jungle]

When they "molt" (which is the wrong term to apply to ducks), they will become drab again for a few months.
Angela

Why is the term "molt" incorrect when applied to ducks?

[Angela]

I believe that the correct term is "eclipse". But, Evy or some of the others will know for sure. Been a long time since I gave it much thought. I brighter adult phase is referred to as the "nuptial plummage". But again, I'm a bit rusty.

Angela

[Evy]

I believe that the correct term is "eclipse". But, Evy or some of the others will know for sure. Been a long time since I gave it much thought. I brighter adult phase is referred to as the "nuptial plummage". But again, I'm a bit rusty.


Angela

You're correct. It's just easier to spell ''molt'' than nuptial plumage or eclipse. LOL

[goosedragon]

Yes and no
Mallard, Rouens, WH, and several other breeds all look alike when hatched. They do not "molt" into their adult plumage, it just takes time to achieve. It is easier to sex by sound, if you have the experience to do it.
I've a particular WH duck, 2-3 month old, that I would swear was a drake, if I didn't listen to her. She even has the green tint to her bill with an obvious black bean.....But I know she's a duck, and not a drake. Without a doubt, when she sounds off.
When they "molt" (which is the wrong term to apply to ducks), they will become drab again for a few months.

Angela Well after 50 years I am still willing to learn, is the term wrong or do you just like "Moult" spelling better? If molt and moult are both wrong what is the correct term for the periodic replacement of feathers in ducks? When you say ducks are you talking about the whole species or just the female individuals?

[Oregon Swedes]

It's my understanding that the drake has 2 different color phases during the year. The colorful courting phase is called the nuptial plumage. Out of breeding season, he changes his color to the Eclipse plumage, which is usually very close to what the duck looks like. I've seen them lose the curl on their tail while they are in eclipse plumage.

However, the actual process of throwing off the feathers is still called molting. My spell check seems to think both molt and moult are OK. It might be the difference between American and British spelling, although my spell check does not like "grey".

[Angela]

Well after 50 years I am still willing to learn, is the term wrong or do you just like "Moult" spelling better? If molt and moult are both wrong what is the correct term for the periodic replacement of feathers in ducks? When you say ducks are you talking about the whole species or just the female individuals?

Hey Goose
In this context, "duck" as species.

I've never seen a duck "moult" as a chicken does. Yes, I prefer "moult"....but when in Rome...... Their feathers replace, but not as obviously..they don't fall out en masse. I believe that the correct term is "eclipse". But again, I'm not an expert.
In the WH breed, the ducks (female gender) have several different adult phases, shifting with age...not eclipse. It can be quite confusing. But, it does aid in determining age.

Have I muddied the waters enough?

[jungle]

Every avian species mo(u)lts. The process can be gradual or fast and furious. Molting is nothing more than the cyclic replacement of feathers. The eclipse plumage is in referrence to the appearance of the drake after molting out of his breeding plumage. The same is true for several species of African finches as well as many other species of bird. I thought you were suggesting that there was a different term for the replacement of feathers, which I had never heard of. The "eclipse" is not a process, it is a state of feathering.

[Angela]

As I stated before, I am not an expert. Thank you for correcting me.

[Oregon Swedes]

Put me down as a primate, too, Rog, because I eat ducks and chickens.

Oh wait, humans are actually primates, so that isn't even an insult. I suspect you'll have to do better than that in this crowd if you want to sling insults.

[goosedragon]

Hey Goose
In this context, "duck" as species.

I've never seen a duck "moult" as a chicken does. Yes, I prefer "moult"....but when in Rome...... Their feathers replace, but not as obviously..they don't fall out en masse. I believe that the correct term is "eclipse". But again, I'm not an expert.
In the WH breed, the ducks (female gender) have several different adult phases, shifting with age...not eclipse. It can be quite confusing. But, it does aid in determining age.

Have I muddied the waters enough?
The bit about WH when the thread was about Mallards did muddy the waters, Chickens are another load of mud. Now ducks are not chickens, cicada, finches, snakes, lizards, or crabs (the last 4 were thrown in for Jungle and Evy is right I am not a good speller) If your WH appear different at different ages it must be because they replaced some of their feathers or they became so worn that other feathers are visible, I molt occasionally myself so I am sticking with my molt theory, as for your WH who gives a duck? ~gd

[goosedragon]

Jungle. What a stubid handle. Makes me think of you as primate. Lets eat the ducks and the chickens. Monkeys rule. Don`t know crap about African Finches but what does that have to do with a chicken Question for you. What chicken breed have you ever bred that has won ? Rog Rog the pot calling the kettle black? katschicks sounds not stubid (sic stupid) FYI Mallards are not chickens, Gee I didn't know the WATERFOWL forum was reserved for Chicken winners. Would you like some cheese to go with that wine?

[Angela]

Can't we all just get along.....LOL!

[Oregon Swedes]

Because I was curious, I looked up molt vs moult, and both are acceptable. Moult is the British spelling and it is also the way we spelled the word way back in the dark ages when I was in school.

Spelling seems to change over the years and so many new words enter the language. "Molt" seems to be the way the dictionaries are giving preference. Several of the on-line dictionaries don't include "moult"; not that any of those on-line dictionaries are complete.

So, carry on folks. Either spelling is correct.

[goosedragon]

Can't we all just get along.....LOL! Sure we can! I am just waiting for the riots before I go into Flame on mode.

[goosedragon]

Because I was curious, I looked up molt vs moult, and both are acceptable. Moult is the British spelling and it is also the way we spelled the word way back in the dark ages when I was in school.
Spelling seems to change over the years and so many new words enter the language. "Molt" seems to be the way the dictionaries are giving preference. Several of the on-line dictionaries don't include "moult"; not that any of those on-line dictionaries are complete. So, carry on folks. Either spelling is correct. Oh goody I have the honour to receive your approval on my comment on the colour of a Mallard head also? Rumour has it that you may be older than dirt, sorry just my attempt to add some Humour to my post. ~gd

[Angela]

Well after 50 years I am still willing to learn, is the term wrong or do you just like "Moult" spelling better? If molt and moult are both wrong what is the correct term for the periodic replacement of feathers in ducks? When you say ducks are you talking about the whole species or just the female individuals?

Turned 51 on Thursday, so show some respect for your elders!!!
I've always spelled it "moult", but when in Rome......In general however, who gives a duck?
I brought up my WH because they are my favorites, and easily fit the circumstances of the question being asked. The change color much like the rouens and mallards. Just a personal preference.

Monkeys do not rule, they fling poo. Ducks rule!! with geese as second in command.

[goosedragon]

Turned 51 on Thursday, so show some respect for your elders!!!Young Lady that was years of experience my age is 68 I was a Pearl Harbour baby 12/7/41 and 9 months latter a child was bourn
I've always spelled it "moult", but when in Rome......In general however, who gives a duck?
I brought up my WH because they are my favorites, and easily fit the circumstances of the question being asked. The change color much like the rouens and mallards. Just a personal preference.

Monkeys do not rule, they fling poo. Ducks rule!! with geese as second in command.~gd

[jungle]

"Originally Posted by katschicks
Jungle. What a stubid handle. Makes me think of you as primate. Lets eat the ducks and the chickens. Monkeys rule. Don`t know crap about African Finches but what does that have to do with a chicken Question for you. What chicken breed have you ever bred that has won ? Rog"

I never saw this post- probably because it was deleted for not actually adding anything to this thread. Not sure what incited this bile but, to answer your questions, my referrence to African finches was an example of another species of bird that goes through an "eclipse" molt and it is still considered "molting". I was sticking to the original focus of the thread. Regarding my show wins, I had a starred RB win with a Dutch bantam cockerel at the 2009 Poultry Congress, along with BV on a pullet of the same. Many people seriously work with fowl and competitively show them without winning a great deal. To them, winning is not the only point of showing. It's a shame you only view winners as being anything of value.

P.S. The last time someone told me my name was stupid was, I believe, 4th grade. Thanks for the fodder for a trip down memory lane!

[Angela]

I bow to the wisdom that comes with age!
Dragons RULE :)

[goosedragon]

See I was modest too I claimed 50 instead because of 68 because a lot of that time I didn't know anything about chickens or ducks except on the table for special occasions.

[Oregon Swedes]

[[[.....Ducks rule!! with geese as second in command.....]]]]]

Around here, my 6 pound dog is the ruler of the universe. She tells me where to go, when to wake up in the morning, what to feed her, when to make up her bed, when to let her out, when to let her in........

I cook for her, carry her around, select the house and car I will buy based upon her comfort.

Come to think of it, she is afraid of the geese, so I guess they can order her around. Or at least order her to leave. Does that mean the geese rule?

[REDSnMOREREDS]

This isn't BYC-what the H.... is a WH?
By the way. I agree male ducks molt into their nuptual &/0r eclipse phases. At least that's my understanding.

[Angela]

Don't panic...

WH = Welsh Harlequin

[Angela]

Around here, my 6 pound dog is the ruler of the universe. She tells me where to go, when to wake up in the morning, what to feed her, when to make up her bed, when to let her out, when to let her in........

I cook for her, carry her around, select the house and car I will buy based upon her comfort.

Come to think of it, she is afraid of the geese, so I guess they can order her around. Or at least order her to leave. Does that mean the geese rule?

Oregon Swedes....I just don't know any other way to respond to this information than to suggest that you get out more often. :)

[Patrick]

LMAO, how did I miss this thread?! Jungle, you ol' knuckle dragger. I don't like the BYC speak either, initializing anything and everything, including that which isn't commonly abbreviated.

[goosedragon]

Patrick, So RB & BV are OK but WH is not? LMAO OK? I'll have to start a list!

[Angela]

LMAO, how did I miss this thread?! Jungle, you ol' knuckle dragger. I don't like the BYC speak either, initializing anything and everything, including that which isn't commonly abbreviated.

Patrick....WH is a commonly used abreviation for Welsh Harlequins. And, I don't frequent the BYC, except when I'm really depressed and need something to laugh about. I'm truly afraid that I may catch a case of the dumb a**es if I hang around there to often.

That said....carry on!

[goosedragon]

You can catch dumba$$ from visiting BYC? I may be a carrier! BTW check your PMs.

[Oregon Swedes]

I can see using initials for some of the breeds that have very long names. I just wish that the OP (can I use that abbreviation?) would write out the name of the breed the first time that it is used in a post. Otherwise, I get through the entire post, and sometimes through the entire thread, without the slightest clue what bird they are talking about.

Using initials for the breed name is nearly universally done with show dogs. Same problem, I have to sit there for several minutes trying to figure out what bred they are talking about, unless they have their breed listed in their signature or it is a very common abbreviation. I get GSD and PBGV, but just about anything else, I nearly have to get out my "SOP" to figure out what breed they are talking about.

I consider it to be poor communication skills to write an entire post where nobody but you can figure out what breed you are rabbiting on about. "WH" I will get if the post is obviously about ducks, but for all I know there might be a breed of chicken or turkey with those initials, too. Or a brand of feed, for all I know.

[goosedragon]

OP? ask Patrick he is the abbreviation cop. Orininal Poster started this thread with "Mallard" which is a duck breed. Do rabbits talk or write in Oregon? An expression I had not heard before. Rabbits are known for reproduction...~gd

[Angela]

What's an OP?

My head hurts......

[jungle]

I have to admit that I had no idea what a WH was until it was clarified. I think the difference here is that standardized abbreviations that are universal in the poultry world i.e, BV (best of variety) and BB (best of breed) are something that could reasonably be expected knowledge. The problem I have is that once we start talking about my DBs, BCs, MDs and BEIDs it can get a bit confusing. If you would like to split hairs just to be contrary, go ahead, but I do see a difference in what is acceptable and what it difficult to figure out.

[Patrick]

Jungle, for a Neanderthal, and Oregon Swedes, for someone who doesn't get out much, you guys are pretty astute.

[Angela]

I consider it to be poor communication skills to write an entire post where nobody but you can figure out what breed you are rabbiting on about. "WH" I will get if the post is obviously about ducks, but for all I know there might be a breed of chicken or turkey with those initials, too. Or a brand of feed, for all I know.

And I consider it absolutely assinine, not to ask if you don't know....Why would you waste your time reading a post if you didn't understand the topic? Would it not be smart to ask for clarification? OOOOPS, what was I thinking.

[goosedragon]

What's an OP?

My head hurts...... OP =Original Poster or Original Post

[goosedragon]

I have to admit that I had no idea what a WH was until it was clarified. I think the difference here is that standardized abbreviations that are universal in the poultry world i.e, BV (best of variety) and BB (best of breed) are something that could reasonably be expected knowledge. The problem I have is that once we start talking about my DBs, BCs, MDs and BEIDs it can get a bit confusing. If you would like to split hairs just to be contrary, go ahead, but I do see a difference in what is acceptable and what it difficult to figure out. Here we go again, those BB and BV abbreviations may be universal in the Show Fancy, but not all of us show so they are not universal to poultry in the broad sense of the term. I agree that acronyms and initialisms are a PITA but there are sometimes when they are usefull (PITA). The question is where do we split those hairs?

[Angela]

OP =Original Poster or Original Post

Thank you. I will refrain from using abreviations in the future...OK?

[Rich]

Back to the original post, sexing young mallards is not as hard to sex as some other birds. Someone mentioned that ducks will quack. Drakes make a more raspy sound. Additionally, ducks will often develop a mottled colored bill (usually orange and brown) while drakes have a solid green bill sometimes with a balck bean on the end. I knew an older gentleman who would pick up a bird and give it a gentle shake to hear it make a noise and would regularly sex birds by that. It's not that difficult to do. Hope this helps and gets back to topic.