Interbreeding 201 



INTERBREEDING 



When we consider the close relationship exist- 

 ing between many of our wild fowl, it seems re- 

 markable that evidences of interbreeding are not 

 more often observed. Many species utilize a 

 common breeding-ground and follow the same 

 migratory courses to the winter haunts. Among 

 the fresh-water ducks certain different varieties 

 are prone to associate, notably the mallard, shov- 

 eller, teal, and pintail. In a limited area the black 

 duck breeds in the territory of the mallard. 

 From the general similarities of these two species 

 it is natural to expect the commonest hybrids 

 would be between the black duck and mallard, 

 and this is the case. Crosses between the two 

 are known to most sportsmen of experience. 

 The marshes of Ontario and the coast to the 

 south of the Chesapeake have afforded numerous 

 instances of this hybrid, and in parts of Ontario 

 it is incorrectly known as the black mallard. The 

 writer recently saw a fine specimen of black duck 

 and mallard cross killed in North Carolina; it 

 resembled the black duck, but had distinct mal- 

 lard markings. Other hybrids resemble the 

 mallard. The green feathers of the head and 

 the recurved feathers of the tail are often notice- 

 able. Two instances of this hybrid are described 

 under the "mallard." As would be expected, 



