Mallard x Rosy-billed Pochard

Jonny Holliday asked me to do a small photo-essay on the hybrid I found this morning.

Presumed Mallard x Rosy-billed Pochard Lackford Lakes SWT, 16th November 2022

I recall seeing three birds of similar appearance at Lackford some years ago and asked my secretary to trawl through the archive to find out when. Turns out, it was my birthday back in 2019!

I considered Mallard x Red-crested Pochard, as per the bird below, taken from eBird (Mallard x Red-crested Pochard (hybrid) - eBird):

But I think the Lackford bird(s) is closer to a Mallard x Rosy-billed Pochard hybrid, structurally and plumage wise and noting the bill, see the bird at the bottom of this Reader’s Hybrids: Ducks and Geese – Avian Hybrids (wordpress.com) page.

Presumed Mallard x Rosy-billed Pochard Lackford Lakes SWT, 14th October 2019