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Male Mandarin Duck In Eclipse Plumage? Melling Liverpool UK (this week) (1 Viewer)

RichieTwitchy

RichieTwitchy

YNWA
Hi all

I didn't want to disturb this bird too much, but is this a male Mandarin Duck in eclipse plumage?

I see a lack of crest, but I've never seen a juvenile and can't find one in my Collins so can';t be sure.

The colours in the bottom photo might be a bit out as the exposure was affected due to the bird being in shade.

thanks
 

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Males in eclipse still show the raspberry coloured bill so it's not an adult male. Which leaves a juv/female type. I suspect a juvenile as it lacks the white line at the base of the bill an adult female would show. And in the bottom picture there is a hint of red at the base of the bill so possibly a young male.
 
DaveN said:
Males in eclipse still show the raspberry coloured bill so it's not an adult male. Which leaves a juv/female type. I suspect a juvenile as it lacks the white line at the base of the bill an adult female would show. And in the bottom picture there is a hint of red at the base of the bill so possibly a young male.
Click to expand...

Thanks Dave :t:

A juvenile male eh? Cracking bird btw - it's like its got a bit of class about it - and the male in full plumage, which I've been lucky enough to see (see photo), is most probably my favourite bird. Well, next to the Liver bird,of course ;)
 

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An update on this.

I was riding along the canal tow-path and came across these 2 dudes.

Judging by what I've learnt from Dave, these are 2 juvenile males and the exciting thing is that they must be breeding around here, which is going to be a joy to see.

I've seen the odd male about once a year, but never juveniles - never mind 2 of them :t:
 

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RichieTwitchy said:
An update on this.

I was riding along the canal tow-path and came across these 2 dudes.

Judging by what I've learnt from Dave, these are 2 juvenile males and the exciting thing is that they must be breeding around here, which is going to be a joy to see.

I've seen the odd male about once a year, but never juveniles - never mind 2 of them :t:
Click to expand...
Sorry, both adult females - note the irregular (asymmetrical) feathering on the wing coverts and tertials, which means they're moulting, which in turn means they're adults. Then females from the dark grey bills.
 
Nutcracker said:
Sorry, both adult females - note the irregular (asymmetrical) feathering on the wing coverts and tertials, which means they're moulting, which in turn means they're adults. Then females from the dark grey bills.
Click to expand...

What about the missing white line at the base of the bill that Dave pointed out, Nutty?

Wouldn't that suggest juvenile?

And I'm sorry, I meant females in my reply (my bad) ;)
 
RichieTwitchy said:
What about the missing white line at the base of the bill that Dave pointed out, Nutty?

Wouldn't that suggest juvenile?

And I'm sorry, I meant females in my reply (my bad) ;)
Click to expand...
Don't think that's significant - this is definitely an adult female (it's been around since the spring up here), and it doesn't have a white line round the bill base either. And like yours, moulting its wing coverts and tertials at the moment.
 

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