Curls on tails??
 

Someone told me that the curls on the back of the mallards tails mean how old it is. Anyone know if thats true or if its a myth. Look at my picture once thats the curls I am talking about.

RE: Curls on tails??
 

the guy that got me into duck hunting told me the same thing.but i always wondered if you could tell the age by how many curls,like rings on a tree.

RE: Curls on tails??
 

I've heard the same, never wondered if it was true or not...that duck in your picture's feet are kinda a dull orange color so it's probably a older duck...

I think that the younger ones have brighter red feet because of the hormones...and usually, have one curl on their tail...

RE: Curls on tails??
 

Nope, no truth to that at all.

RE: Curls on tails??
 

Tail curls are a myth, red legs is an indication of hormone levels, as in readiness/eagerness to pair up and breed, nothing to do with age.

RE: Curls on tails??
 

Plainsman is 100% correct.