Posted by Christina knisley on August 17, 2008

Q: Hello! I have a question:.How

big can a Mallard duck get? I saw a mallard duck thismorning that was at

least three times larger than the ducks surrounding it! I was stunned!

It was the size of a swan, with the distinctive markings

of a duck. The only thing unusual (besides its incredible size) was that

it had a white spotted breast and neck. It was nesting with (and

towering over) dozens of other ducks. My huband and I are going back to take

more photographs of it. If you are interested, I'll send them.

I am not a duck expert in the least, but I have admired them for all

of my life and this was somehting truly extraordinary. Any information

you have would be appreciated!

We live in Warren, Pennsylvania.

Thank you!

Christina Knisley

State: Pennsylvania

A: You've seen one of the domestic duck variations that often co-mingle with wild birds. Our most common domestic duck derives from the wild Mallard so the domestic birds feel right at home with other Mallards. Just as breeders have "created" really meaty turkeys and all-year chicken egg layers, they've created some larger than normal ducks through selective breeding. When the domestic ducks get mixed in with the wild birds, they may interbreed and create some weird combinations or you're just seeing someone's domestic bird. Chances are really good that this domestic birds will not be able to fly so when winter sets in and the wild birds leave, the domestic bird will still be hanging around. Let's hope there will be enough open water and food for it to make it through the winter.

Thanks for asking and I'm glad you were able to see this bird - you can be sure you're not the first to have wondered this!

John Wiessinger ( August 17, 2008)