That's the way we are thinking too. Good to hear your views too.Not an easy one and it might be a hybrid. Looks too small for a (Greater) Scaup cf the Teal and Ferruginous, and seems to have more black on the bill tip than a pure Scaup should have. I don't think it can be a pure Scaup and for me it is either a Tufted or a hybrid.
It looks like a 'Scaup-face' Tufted Duck in eclipse. I've seen a few over the years.I'm inclined to think Scaup hybrid too on similar lines as Steve. It doesn't feel right for a Tuftie.
Thanks.It looks like a 'Scaup-face' Tufted Duck in eclipse. I've seen a few over the years.
MJB
Can't say for Cyprus, but here (inland NE England), I am seeing more Tufty x Pochard hybrids than Greater Scaup in the last 3-4 years. A recent trend as Scaup decline (short-stopping with milder winters), and TxP hybrids increase due to the shortage of female Pochards (males now outnumber females by about 3 : 1 or 4 : 1 so go looking for sex elsewhere).Are Aythya hybrids more common than greater scaup in your place ?
Should add, it's a small sample number: 0-2 Scaup per winter, 2-4 TxP hybrids (present all year of course) so doubtfully significant statistically.Interesting, thanks!