They both have green on their heads but the smaller duck's has less. The greener duck's quack is lower and huskier...it is not a "rasp" that people often describe for drakes. From what I have read, drakes don't quack....but what if they are alarmed? what if someone picks up their duck friend? Do drakes really NEVER quack...a full quack. If that is the case, then my greener duck is definitely female because "he/she" is generally totally quiet, or makes similar clucky noises just like the other duck, OR (daily...but not often) quacks...LOUDLY.
Just to be clear, when I use the description of raspy, or hoarse...I'm still referring to a full-on quack, not raspy mutterings. He/she has a slightly different tone than the smaller duck that I'm referring to as a "she". The female quacks a lot and the quack is slightly higher pitched, faster, more urgent sounding. The "male" with darker green plumage has a lower pitch, slower quack and only quacks occasionally. Here is another picture showing them together. The smaller duck has color too, and even green on her head (lower duck in pic)...just not as intense. As you know, it is hard to get a good photo of a Cayuga that really shows the color. Thanks for all of the insightful help!!
I have googled the vocalizations...and I thought I had a male given what I heard...raspy grunts and mumblings...but now he does a full-on quack every now and then. For the most part , he.is very quiet especially compared to the other duck. He apoears to "mate" the other duck since 3 mos. old and is now 4 mos. old but I have not seen any male parts!! I guess time will tell but I just wish I knew for sure so that I don't have to worry about him trying to mate my chickens.
Just wait a few months, you'll see who lays an egg and who doesn't!
Update?
