2024 Photograph, Family of Mallard Ducks, (Anas platyrynchos, Duck Family Anatidae), Huntley Meadows, Alexandria, Virginia, © 2024.
This Mallard Hen is dark because she has some domestic heritage. One of the ducklings is also carrying those domestic traits of darker colors. A Mallard Drake was in close attendance on the hen and he wasn't the least bit put off by her darker color. |
