Ducks, North Carolina (1 Viewer)

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PeteQuad

Well-known member

• Dec 13, 2017

• #1

When I saw these I wrote them off as Mallards, but now that I look at this very blurry and distant photo, I wonder if they are actually Northern Shovelers. The bills look like Mallard but some of the body coloration looks more like shoveler. Any opinions?

 

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RafaelMatias

Unknown member

• Dec 13, 2017

• #2

You were right first time, all Mallards (at least the males are, females are most likely the same species). Check flank colour for example

 

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PeteQuad

Well-known member

• Dec 13, 2017

• #3

OK, thanks! I should stick with my first instinct

 

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rkj

Well-known member

• Dec 13, 2017

• #4

Second bird from the left might be a scaup, but I am not at all sure of that, let alone which scaup species it might be.

 

Microtus

Maryland USA (he/him)

• Dec 13, 2017

• #5

rkj said:

Second bird from the left might be a scaup, but I am not at all sure of that, let alone which scaup species it might be.

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I agree.

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Dec 13, 2017

• #6

2nd from the left is another Mallard, just a slightly darker individual - it still has the reddish-brown tone on the dark breast, green head, and yellow bill that excludes Scaup.

 

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PeteQuad

Well-known member

• Dec 14, 2017

• #7

I did have 5 Hooded Mergansers there, but they are not in the photo.

 

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aeshna5

Well-known member

• Dec 14, 2017

• #8

Nutcracker said:

2nd from the left is another Mallard, just a slightly darker individual - it still has the reddish-brown tone on the dark breast, green head, and yellow bill that excludes Scaup.

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Agree; all seem to be Mallard.