Hybrid

Parera are New Zealand native ducks which have interbed extensively with the imported mallards. To such an extent that it is rare to see pure bred parera or mallards. This one, seen in a grassy area near to the Oakley Creek this evening, is typical of the results of hybridisation.

The female mallard has a single black eye stripe, whereas parera has a second stripe, and both male and female are identical. In this group of up to ten birds, there was no mallard drake. Although the second stripe is less distinct than in a more pure parera, it is there. The mallard's bill is clearly orange, and parera has a grey bill; this one has a muddy grey bill. Legs and feet of the mallard are orange, while parera has grey legs and feet. This one's feet are a mix.

Finally the mallard's speculum is blue with a thin black border and then a broader white band. Parera have a green speculum with black borders, and a thin white rear stripe. In the real, the speculum of this bird appeared more green than in this photo; the width of the black and white rear borders are what is seen in parera.

These are most likely, therefore, mallard/parera hybrids.