The second link ( Pintail x Wigeon) sure has the face pattern. When I saw this bird on the 19th, he had very close association with the Mallards. When I first saw the bird, I thought Northern Pintail x Gadwall. After looking all over the web, which included the second link on previous email, I went with the Pintail x Wigeon.
Mark Chavez Lakewood-Green Mtn http://jaeger29.smugmug.com/ ----- Original Message ----- From: Rob Parsons <[email protected]> To: CObirds List <[email protected]> Sent: Wed, 02 Feb 2011 21:19:28 -0000 (UTC) Subject: Re: [cobirds] Interesting Duck from the South Platte, Denver (and comments on ageing and sexing diving ducks) 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] -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
