Talk:Mottled Duck

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[edit] Florida Mottled Duck

Two points:

1. The name of "Florida Duck" (or, worse, "Florida Mallard") is a folk name. It is not a proper name. It's a holdover from when they were believed to be distinct from the Alabama-westwards population. So the entire species is, indeed, properly known as "Mottled Duck".

2. The discussion about threats to the Florida population of MODU obmits one of the more serious ones. It mentions possible hybridisation with lingering American Black Ducks - but has this ever been confirmed? I've never heard of it - but the real problem is genetic swamping by feral Mallards (aka "Mall-oids") which are illegally released and have become established throughout the state as permament, sedentary residents. This is perhaps the single most significant threat to the survival of the Florida MODUs as a genetically distinct population. (Remember, folks, "Easter Ducklings" are not cool!) - Aerobird 15:36, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

Read it again and noticed that it does mention Malloidian swamping, but only in the context of continued habitat destruction and overhunting. Even if construction and hunting were stopped, the Florida Mottled Ducks are in serious danger of being swept under by the tidal wave of feral Mallards... - Aerobird 15:41, 14 December 2006 (UTC)