The Mexican Duck is a drab, medium-sized dabbling duck native to the southwestern United States and central Mexico. It is closely related to the Mallard and American Black Duck, but often treated as a distinct species.
Where to spot
Wetlands, rivers, and ponds in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and central Mexico.
How to spot
Look for a uniformly dull brown body, often with a dull green or blue speculum bordered by black and white. Unlike male Mallards, both sexes are similar in appearance. Pay attention to bill color, which is typically yellow-orange with a black nail.
When to spot
Year-round, as they are largely non-migratory.
Where to spot
Wetlands, rivers, and ponds in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and central Mexico.
How to spot
Look for a uniformly dull brown body, often with a dull green or blue speculum bordered by black and white. Unlike male Mallards, both sexes are similar in appearance. Pay attention to bill color, which is typically yellow-orange with a black nail.
When to spot
Year-round, as they are largely non-migratory.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Although often considered a distinct species, the Mexican Duck frequently hybridizes with Mallards, posing a significant conservation challenge to its genetic purity in some parts of its range.
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