Hi all,
I totally agree with Christian that the iridescence on the heads of male
Northern Pintails is an under-appreciated thing. While I won't rule out a
Mallard X N. Pintail ancestry, I think this bird would have to be 3/4
pintail to be of Mallard & N. Pintail ancestry. In addition to Christian's
suggestion of Gadwall, I have also heard American Wigeon suggested as being
in the mix. If we assume this bird is of totally wild origin, those are the
most likely. Since it's a duck, however, can we be sure it's not an
escaped/released bird? If so, that would allow Eurasian Wigeon & Falcated
Duck to also be candidates. Both of them have the right body coloring, the
head pattern is not unlike a Falcated Duck and the head coloring is closer
to Eurasian, than American, Wigeon. (I am aware that hybrids do not
necessarily show intermediate characters of the parents.) It's certainly an
intriguing bird. I have enjoyed looking at the photos, as well as reading
everyone's thoughts on it!
Cheers,
Rob Parsons
Winnipeg, MB
CANADA
[email protected]
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