Help please with my ID

[astafjevs]

Originally Posted by PeterB

Just a couple of miles away, I live in Mentmore, next one up from Cheddington.

Ah right, we didn't get quite that far! (We got the train back from Cheddington)

Lovely part of the country though, you can see for miles from Ivinghoe Beacon if its clear (which it was!)

[RoyW__]

Originally Posted by astafjevs

It's not a proper Aylesbury Mike. Its got a mucky head and the bill is yellow not pink.

Most white farmyard mallards aren't proper Aylesbury's, apparently.

It's still a mallard underneath, though.

Very true. Duck breeds have to conform to very precise standards. Any plumage colour other than white, and any bill colour other than pink, would disqualify a duck from being shown as an Aylsebury (shape is also important).

It is a Mallard though, even if it doesn't fit the 'purity' standards of breeders.

[Plainsailing]

As we are on the subject of pure breeds, where do you think this Mallard stemmed from.

Thanks for all the threads, I have enjoyed reading them....

[RoyW__]

As with 'mongrel' dogs, it can sometimes be difficult to guess at the parentage of Mallards like this - although a breeder might possibly have more idea.
This one is pretty much 'normal', as far as shape goes. The black colour, and white bib, are both seen in different colour forms of a number of breeds, and both are apparently from dominant genes.

[PeterB]

One of the nicest coloured Manky Malllards I've seen for a while. Nice bib.

Originally Posted by astafjevs

Lovely part of the country though, you can see for miles from Ivinghoe Beacon if its clear (which it was!)

I can see the beacon from my garden, although not as high, I am on a hill and can see all the way over there, up to Whipsnade, and the downs.