can white mallards be born in the wild?

[Duck mommy 2019]

i was talking with someone who was questioning what breed their rescue duckling could be. they are fostering the duckling, and got them from a rescue that found them with a group of wild mallards. and initially everyone thought the “pekin” duckling was dumped. now realizing it’s a white mallard, i was wondering if they can be born out in the wild from normal mallard parents? would it survive?

the duckling will not be released, they are already domesticated and love humans and their new flock

 

[MROO]

To be honest, I don't know, but it seems possible that a mutation might occur. Albinos happen in most species, so who knows? I'll be checking back to find out - 'cause now, I'm curious, too!

 

[cheezenkwackers]

I was going to say the same thing. All of the domestic duck breeds are descendants of Mallards (except the Muscovy). People had mutations in their flocks and intentionally chose for those traits. It would make sense to me that those same mutations could occur in the wild. Difference is they probably would not be selected for in fact they probably would be selected against. Being a white duck in the wild would only be helpful in the winter. Blending in while sitting on eggs would be a problem.