Ryu,
It clearly is of Mallard origin. However whether there is any Black Duck in its ancestry, is hard to know. I suggest it is highly likely or most unlikely not to be. Your question seems to be whether it is a first generation hybrid, but that is not a relevant question. It depends how far back in time or how many generations you wish to go. So it might be parts per hundred or thousand down several lines in its parental lineage between the 2 species. Mallards have been feral in Australia for a long time (between 1 and 2 centuries I don’t know). Mallards have been domesticated for a long time so there is a lot of variation. They are aggressive maters and interbreed easily and as far as I know hybrids are fertile.
There is a lot of information on this on Google search for “Mallard hybrid fertility” although most from USA. e.g. this one gives a lot of information www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-biology/waterfowl-hybrids
Most is about Muscovy Duck hybrids which are far more different that our Black Duck.
Philip
—–Original Message—–
From: Birding-Aus [www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-biology/waterfowl-hybrids
Most is about Muscovy Duck hybrids which are far more different that our Black Duck.
Philip
—–Original Message—–
From: Birding-Aus [
Birding-Aus