A very odd duck

At the city water park, Brighton, MI, 6/22/2010. Is this some kind of mallard hybrid, or a species unknown to me? If a hybrid, with what?

Looks like a hybrid to me, or a "Mutant Duck," as my wife calls them.

Phil, we've got a black duck in Nassau Bay TX with the same type of head pom pom. I'll try to get a photo of it.

I think this type of "feather puff" is from a tumor. I've seen it several times before. It doesn't seem to hurt the ducks, but sure makes an odd appearance.

This one is pretty symmetrical and actually pretty - most are sticking out at a weird angle and not very attractive. Most I've seen have been on hybrids too; perhaps the interbreeding plays a part.

Nice catch!

Sandy

This bird is bred specifically to have the tuff of feathers on their head. They are called Crested ducks. They are a breed of mallard. Just FYI