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bost85 · Tuesday 21st February 2012, 00:44

I saw this bird in Lake Superior in Duluth, MN, USA two days ago. I think it is a red-breasted merganser? Is it normal for the beak to appear dark like this or is it just artifact? Thanks!

The Falcon · Tuesday 21st February 2012, 00:51

Hi,

It is a Hooded Merganser. Note the shorter black bill (Red-breasted and Common would show a longer all red bill), among other things.

Josh

ospr3y · Tuesday 21st February 2012, 00:54

Agree with Hoodie. Females have yellow bills. This looks to be a young male with that black bill.

bost85 · Tuesday 21st February 2012, 01:02

Do young males start out with a red crest like this?

ospr3y · Tuesday 21st February 2012, 01:05

I can't really see color very well (colorblind), but I think young/eclipse males look very similar to females in coloration.

bost85 · Tuesday 21st February 2012, 01:12

Okay. Thanks!

Tuesday 21st February 2012, 00:44	#1
bost85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 70	Red-breasted merganser? Lake Superior, Duluth, MN, USA I saw this bird in Lake Superior in Duluth, MN, USA two days ago. I think it is a red-breasted merganser? Is it normal for the beak to appear dark like this or is it just artifact? Thanks! Attached Thumbnails

Tuesday 21st February 2012, 00:51	#2
The Falcon Registered Birder Join Date: May 2007 Location: New York Posts: 4,988	Hi, It is a Hooded Merganser. Note the shorter black bill (Red-breasted and Common would show a longer all red bill), among other things. Josh __________________ ~ Josh L. ~ Report your sightings to eBird! 2013 Yard List: #133 Yellow-belled Cuckoo \| 2013 Latest May Yard List: #113 House Sparrow
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Tuesday 21st February 2012, 00:54	#3
ospr3y Brony Birder Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Hephzibah, GA Posts: 570	Agree with Hoodie. Females have yellow bills. This looks to be a young male with that black bill. __________________ Liam

Tuesday 21st February 2012, 01:05	#5
ospr3y Brony Birder Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Hephzibah, GA Posts: 570	I can't really see color very well (colorblind), but I think young/eclipse males look very similar to females in coloration. __________________ Liam

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Tuesday 21st February 2012, 01:02	#4
bost85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 70	Do young males start out with a red crest like this?

Tuesday 21st February 2012, 01:12	#6
bost85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 70	Okay. Thanks!

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