Aythya parentage? Northeast England. (1 Viewer)

[Nutcracker]

Another Aythya hybrid . . . looks to me like it's got quite a lot of [Greater] Scaup in it, but what else? Quite a hefty bird and broad-billed, distinctly larger than Tufty, closer to Scaup / Pochard size. Secondaries with very pure white bar; couldn't see if this extended to primaries (only extended wing slightly and briefly during preening). Northumbs., today; this bird has been around on-and-off for a while.

 

[MTem]

Looks rather like this one from last year (Feb 15) near Horsham in Surrey. That one was diagnosed as a likely Tufted/Pochard hybrid, although you did say your view was Tufted x Scaup. Did look much warmer coloured in real life.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=299874

Mick

 

[Nutcracker]

Aye, somewhat similar, though that one has a pale subterminal band on the bill, and a bit more peaked head.

I'm wondering perhaps Scaup × Pochard for mine? Not sure how likely that is though.

 

[lewis20126]

I'm wondering perhaps Scaup × Pochard for mine? Not sure how likely that is though.

That was my thought - an orange iris would have helped confirm, but surely that black over the bill must be from Pochard?

cheers, alan

 

[Nutcracker]

Had comments on twitter from @BirdHybrids and @Stewchat, both think pure Scaup, 1st-w female; seems the dark marks on the bill are OK for that (per the new Reeber waterfowl book, which I don't have).

 

[lewis20126]

Had comments on twitter from @BirdHybrids and @Stewchat, both think pure Scaup, 1st-w female; seems the dark marks on the bill are OK for that (per the new Reeber waterfowl book, which I don't have).

i have the book but not checked, I'm sure that is correct then.

cheers, a

 

[Nutcracker]

Thanks all!

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

Agree on scaup for the first bird,

but look at the second bird (second photo) with back clearly darker than flanks the angle of the pale stripe on the bill and look at the head shape, to me that is a definite hybrid pochard x tufted

 

[Nutcracker]

Agree on scaup for the first bird,

but look at the second bird (second photo) with back clearly darker than flanks the angle of the pale stripe on the bill and look at the head shape, to me that is a definite hybrid pochard x tufted

Thanks! Presume you mean MTem's bird by "(second photo)"?