Mallard-like ducks in the Playa Lakes Region

摘要

The relationship of the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos L.) to similar members of the genus Anas is often complex (Johnsgard 1961). Hybridization of Mallards with American Black Ducks (A. rubripes Brewster), Mottled Ducks (A. fulvigula maculosa S.), and Mexican Ducks (A. diazi R.), further complicates taxonomic status and identification of subgroups within the Mallard complex. Experimental crosses and back crosses of Anatini result in a broad range of overlapping phenotypes (Phillips 1915, 1921). Furthermore, subgroups within the Mallard complex are often difficult to differentiate using biochemical methods (Ankney et al. 1986, Hitchmough et al. 1990). Thus, for wild monomorphic hybrids within the Mallard complex, it may be difficult at best to determine the taxonomic status of both parental types based on plumage characteristics or biochemical analysis and nearly impossible to determine in which F_i generation the bird belongs.