"Mexican" Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Gilbert

10 December 2005 photo by Richard Ditch

One of a few Mallards at the Gilbert Water Ranch east of Phoenix showing traits of the Mexican form, once considered a separate species named Mexican Duck. This bird was photographed in the "hotspot" just south of the central restrooms while waiting for the American Bittern to appear. According to Sibley, most birds seen north of the Mexican border are not pure Mexican Ducks.