Teal (1 Viewer)

Shirley Roulston

Well-known member

• Nov 12, 2018

• #1

Why has this Teal got a blue tinge rather than a green one. It was in Porthmadog to-day.

 

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birdmeister

Well-known member

• Nov 12, 2018

• #2

I believe many colors on ducks, especially the patches on the head and wings, can appear to change color with the light. This is especially true for Mallards, scaup, and sometimes Wood Ducks, but I believe most ducks can exhibit this.

 

jmorlan

Hmmm. That's funny

Opus Editor

• Nov 13, 2018

• #3

It's an iridescent (structural) color created by interference patterns in the feather barbules.

 

Shirley Roulston

Well-known member

• Nov 13, 2018

• #4

Thanks for the replies.

 

F

fugl

Well-known member

• Nov 13, 2018

• #5

As others have said, structural colors change with the angle of the light. Here’s a shot of another “blue” Green-winged Teal—

https://www.flickr.com/photos/fugl/16125666489/in/album-72157602221544709/