Drakes Eclipse/Nuptial Plumage pics

[Michael P]

Thanks the photos. My 15 month old Welsh Harlequin drake is just beginning to molt into eclipse plumage.

 

[Pyxis]

They are very pretty

Thanks! I'm waiting to see if they new gray drake I picked up will be molting into eclipse soon.

 

[BantyChooks]

Bad pictures, but I think the difference is visible.

 

[room onthebroom]

WOW! WOW! WOW! That is SO COOL!!!! I had no idea this happens. It must be a drake thing, because Mako's never done that. I'd love to read an article on this. (Hint. Hint. Hint.)

 

[casportpony]

Here is a picture I found:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mallard_getting_eclipse_plumage.jpg

 

[TheAmundsons]

This thread is blowing my mind! I agree that this should become an article! We got our first ducks this spring, and I think only our Pekin is a male. Do you know if they show much difference throughout the year? Also, could someone break down what the different stages are called, and what they mean? Thanks!

 

[happy duck]

This thread is blowing my mind! I agree that this should become an article! We got our first ducks this spring, and I think only our Pekin is a male. Do you know if they show much difference throughout the year? Also, could someone break down what the different stages are called, and what they mean? Thanks!

I was just about to ask the same thing!!!! I have a male pekin too and would love to know about this different color plumage, why and, when does it happen? Thanks!

 

[Quacking Pigeon]

I was just about to ask the same thing!!!! I have a male pekin too and would love to know about this different color plumage, why and, when does it happen? Thanks!

In the wild once a year Mallards have to moult there Flight feathers, and in this time they are flightless so when moulting they moult into the females colours to camouflage into the environment so predators can’t see them. Also Pekins don’t change colour in moult since they are white ducks..

 

[happy duck]

In the wild once a year Mallards have to moult there Flight feathers, and in this time they are flightless so when moulting they moult into the females colours to camouflage into the environment so predators can’t see them. Also Pekins don’t change colour in moult since they are white ducks..

ok...I know there are molts just did not know why or when. BTW when do they molt and when will they get there other feathers back?

 

[WVduckchick]

ok...I know there are molts just did not know why or when. BTW when do they molt and when will they get there other feathers back?

Most have a mid season molt when they only lose part of their feathers, and just look a little ragged for a while. The major molt is usually an annual thing, after their first year. I think it normally takes 2-3 months to fully go thru it and re-emerge into their “nuptial” regular plumage.