[GMS]

Hi all,

has anybody got an opinion about the Wigeon in the attached pic ?
It's got a distinct green head marking but otherwise looks like a normal Eurasian Wigeon.

I don't know how Wigeon x Amercian Wigeon look like.

Thanks.

[nickderry]

it's actually quite normal for some wigeon to show this green patch.

[J. Moore]

My Sibley's guide to the Birds of North America says that the appearance of American x Eurasian is variable, but shows one drawing very similar to the bird pictured here.

I was also wondering what Nick's basis was for claiming that the green patch is "normal"; if it is just observation of a number of such birds, that might simply be evidence that such hybrids are not that rare.

Best,
Jim

[Xenospiza]

Originally Posted by J. Moore

I was also wondering what Nick's basis was for claiming that the green patch is "normal"; if it is just observation of a number of such birds, that might simply be evidence that such hybrids are not that rare.

I've watched 1000s of Eurasian Wigeon, and certainly in bright light many will show a greenish sheen on their cheeks (especially when seen at an angle), which often is interpreted as a hybrid characteristic by people who do not check wigeons that regularly... A good example is seen here (two pictures of the same bird): http://www.vogeldagboek.nl/Vogeldagb.../Jan03_27.html.

[eric kitchmo]

This is so right! many times in the field had someone question 'what the wigeon with the green eye flash is?'.It is quite normal.I wonder why field guides dont seem to mention this?

[Joern Lehmhus]

Hi,
as said already wigeon can show this greenish patch, and some birds have a quite big one (maybe commoner among eastern Eurasian wigeons)

In my experience F1 Hybrids show grey flanks with redish colour tinge, without clear demarcation to redish breast , on the hybrids cheeks there should be a pepper and salt pattern as in american wigeon, but less pronounced and often on more rusty ground colour.

F2 hybrids or backcrosses probably not allways safely identifiable and may be the cause for some oddly coloured wigeon individuals..

here some hybrids eurasian x american wigeon:

www.azfo.org/gallery/eurxamerScottsdale.html

www.azfo.org/gallery/eurxamer.html

www.flickr.com/photos/patrick_m/365481757/

http://www.rshantz.com/Animals/Birds...n/HyWigeon.htm

http://www.friendsofgreenlake.org/im...Wigeon-320.jpg

www.granstrand.net/gallery/loons/eurasian_wigeon

http://www.birdinfo.com/A_Images_E/E...geon_0007.html

http://www.birdinfo.com/A_Images_E/E...geon_0008.html

www.dereila.ca/dereilaimages/EWigeon2.jpg



Cheers, Jörn

[marklhawkes]

See also this thread

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=107618