Nature Canada

Blondie the Duck

Monica Zeniuk has been fortunate enough to document the life of a rare leucistic mallard that was born on the stormwater lake in their Edmonton, Alberta neighbourhood. They named her Blondie and have followed her development for the past 3 years.

Leucism is a condition characterized by a reduction in all types of pigment; partial leucism produces a “pied” or “piebald” effect. Unlike albinism, which only affects melatonin and typically results in red eyes, leucistic animals have normally coloured eyes

Monica was kind enough to share some of her photos and Blondie’s story with us:


Blondie was born in 2006, the only one in her clutch of six to have this colouring. The photo shows her at 5 days old (far left).

Blondie returned in 2007 with a drake but did not stay in the area much; she visited once a week or so.



The next summer she returned on April 12 and stayed. She had 10 beautiful babies on June 6, all with “normal” colouring.


Blondie’s moult was incredible. This picture shows her on July 9.


The family stayed the entire season and flew away on October 3.

After a Spring of anxious waiting, Blondie did not return to the lake this year, although we believe a few of her babies did.

Thanks for sharing this story, Monica! The bond you have forged with Blondie has obviously provided you with many precious moments. To see more about Blondie, you can view the book that Monica has created on Shutterfly.

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