Mallard or Rouen? Which is which?

[keyt1969]

I usually know all that is going on with my ducks but I haven't been feeling well for a while so I have kinda lost track of what's going on. My baby Rouen has suddenly grown up on me and now I'm not sure I can tell the difference between Harvey and Henry. Henry is a 3 year old Mallard and Harvey is the 4 month old Rouen. I have read conflicting differences between the two.



Mallard?



Rouen?



I have read that Rouens are bigger than Mallards. The one on the right walks a lot slower and Henry did walk a little slow. So would I guess it right in saying the one on the left is the Rouen??

 

[cymbaline]

Rouens are much larger than Mallards; I didn't realize how much larger at first either because I've only ever had Mallards.



See how the Rouen is the same size as the Pekin, and the mallard is just itty-bitty? Granted it's a female, and they usually are smaller than the males, but even a male would be markedly smaller.

Below is a link to the page where I found this photo. I had to laugh at the phrase "Godzilla Mallard".

http://bigtruckbigyear2012.blogspot.com/2012/02/rouen-duck-well-no-birding-today.html


Anyway, judging from your photos, I'm guessing the one you think is the Rouen is correct - he looks almost the same size as the Pekin. But I'm puzzled, because the one you think is a Mallard doesn't look that much smaller, although he is shaped more like a Mallard.

 

[keyt1969]

Oh there's a considerable difference for sure it must just be the way they are standing. Henry (Mallard) has a much shorter body length and he's not near as tall as Harvey. Thanks so much for the help!! =)

BTW, Godzilla Mallard is hilarious, it pretty much describes Harvey's size difference! lol

 

[Just Wingin It]

I have 5 female mallards 4 mos old and 19 rouans that are 2 mos old. They are currently the same size. Good luck. ?.. my guess would be the same.