Cute Animals
Tiny duck falls in love with girlfriend three times his size
- A green-winged teal has made its home in Loch Raven Reservoir.
- The duck has found a girlfriend in the reservoir.
- He followed the mallard that was three times his size everywhere it went.
Shannon Emmel’s favorite duck is the green-winged teal, so when she heard one had taken up home in Loch Raven Reservoir, she raced to meet him.
But the tiny duck wasn’t alone when she arrived. It was with its girlfriend, a mallard three times his size. And he was putting in a lot of effort to keep the bigger ducks away from his sweetheart.
Emmel told The Dodo that the green-winged teal was easy to spot among the mallards because of its unique size.
“I found him literally following this one particular mallard all around on the dirt and grass. He followed her everywhere and periodically chased off other mallard males,” she said.
Green-winged teals are among North America’s tiniest ducks, but this one seemed to understand that size doesn’t matter. Green teals are quick and agile ducks who court their mates through elaborate dances and vocal displays, considerably more enthusiastic than the methods used by mallard drakes.
Green-winged teals typically hang out with other green-winged teals, while mallards hang out with mallards, but Emmel noticed that this star-crossed couple had a special bond that went beyond breed and family.
Emmel said it was the sweetest thing she’s seen in a while. The green-winged-teal was completely enamored with this mallard, and he followed her everywhere she went. They eventually dove into the water, and he stayed close by.
“The female mallard seemed perfectly fine with her little suitor,” Emmel added. “It was such a joy to watch.”
Emmel isn’t the only one who has noticed this unusual couple. Other Maryland birders have been making special journeys to the reservoir throughout March to see the reservoir’s newest famous couple. Crossbreeding in ducks is not unheard of, but it is extremely rare. But, with hope, these dedicated birds will lay a clutch of eggs this year, giving birth to some unusually lovely youngsters.
Source: The Dodo
-
Cute Animals1 year ago
Puppy Love Patrol: Service Dog Swoons Over K9 Officer Neighbor
-
Cute Animals1 year ago
Hugs, Hooves, and Happiness: Newborn Donkey Steals Hearts by Demanding Affection [Video]
-
Cute Animals1 year ago
WATCH: A German Shepherd’s Surprising Parenting Instinct for Lost Ducklings!
-
Cute Animals1 year ago
Petty Pup Pulls Off Hilarious Bone Heist [Video]
-
Heroes1 year ago
A Lost Dog’s Bark Leads to a Lifesaving Discovery
-
Cute Animals1 year ago
“Pure Love”: Adopted Rescue Dog Can’t Hide How Grateful He Is [Video]
-
Cute Animals1 year ago
Adorable Puppy Steals Hearts After a Tiring Swim [Video]
-
Cute Animals1 year ago
Tiny but Mighty: Cat with Dwarfism Becomes Internet Star as Owners Adapt Backyard for Her Comfort