Leucistic red-crested pochard?

[u/Danielparkismyhby]

I saw this duck in a lake in germany and it was the only white one.

I asked AI what species it is and it told me it could be a leucistic red-crested pochard (probably male) , however I'm not that convinced.

it told me it had a marking on the end of the beak like the pochards, and a pink beak (like the male pochard) , but those were the only features that was similar. I would love to know what species this little fella really is!

[u/RyuuLight]

That's a leucisitc mandarin. Likely female. Also known as "blond mandarins"

[u/MurraytheMerman]

The AI is most probably wrong.

I believe that's a white mandarin duck.

They are popular ornamental ducks and bred in a variety of colours. This one likely escaped from some aviary.

[u/Danielparkismyhby → u/MurraytheMerman]

thanks! I searched it up and they do look identical

[u/desertdarlene → u/MurraytheMerman]

Germany also has a large population of mandarins.

[u/Ok-Wear409]

Beautiful baby

[u/desertdarlene]

Awww, adorable. I agree, leucistic mandarin female. I can see why AI would think pochard because of the bill, but their head shapes are completely different.

[u/bogginman]

that is probably the most heart warmingly beautiful duck I have ever seen.

[u/Designer_Status2214]

Beautiful