Ducks - Mottled & Muscovy

Mottled Ducks The female has lighter plumage than the male. The upper bill of the female is more orange with black or brown spots. The male has brighter orange colored legs.

Mottled Duck The blue wing patch on the Mottled Duck is called a speculum.

Mottled Ducks They are normally seen in pairs.

Mottled Duck The the clutch size is 8 to 12 eggs.

Mottled Duck Flying the lake in the early morning.

Mottled Duck The young ducks can fly a short distance in about 45 days. The ability to take long flights starts at about 65 days from birth.

Mottled Duck Taken with flash at 20 feet. Look for bug on back.

Mottled Duck They like freshwater ponds and coastal marshes.

Mottled Duck The perfect picture.

Mottled Duck In a sea of green.

Mottled Duck They rarely fly more then 200 miles from where they were born.

Mottled Duck Their mating rituals are similar to the Mallard.

Mottled Duck Portrait Because there are spots on the bill, this is a female Mottled Duck.

Mottled Duck The drip.

Mottled Duck Chugging through the water. The water in front is shades of green, but the water around the duck is blue.

Mottled Duck Swimming in white water.

Mottled Duck In this shot, the water turned green from the reflection of a tree.

Mottled Duck These ducks were leisurely floating on the lake when a turtle surfaced under them. This is what I saw next.

Mottled Ducks They are also called the Florida Duck or Florida Mallard. The Florida Mottled Duck is only found in Florida. They mostly live south of Tampa. I think that they should be Florida's state bird.

Mottled Ducks

Mottled Duck

Mottled Duck

Mottled Duck

Mottled Duck The perfect picture.