Gadwall? - Guangxi, China (1 Viewer)

[mzwebby]

Small freshwater reservoir in Guangxi, China in November 2021.

This single individual was by itself then swam with Pintails for a bit. I believe it to be a Gadwall, as it didn't have the slender profile of the Pintails. While it lacks the gray plumage and black rear of an alternate plumage male, I'm guessing this might be an eclipse plumage? male, since it has a dark (not orange/black) bill?

Appreciate confirmation or corrections. Sorry about the low-quality photos.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I think it's a female Falcated Duck.

 

[Butty]

I don't see anything gadwally.

 

[mzwebby]

I think it's a female Falcated Duck.

Oh interesting! I've never observed Falcated Duck before, and hadn't really considered it because I was thinking that it would be more of a smaller teal size. Having looked up the size of Falcated and some photos, I agree. As always, thanks so much for steering me in the right direction. Always learning! -Mike

 

[johnallcock]

Agreed, it looks like a female Falcated. Nice record!

 

[mzwebby]

Thanks for the previous help on the ID. Am I correct that this duck seen a week later at the same location is also a female Falcated Duck?

Mike

 

[Butty]

Pintail?

 

[johnallcock]

Thanks for the previous help on the ID. Am I correct that this duck seen a week later at the same location is also a female Falcated Duck?

Mike

This one looks like a Eurasian Teal to me - squatter, shorter neck, larger head and longer bill than on a Falcated. I think it's a male just starting to moult into breeding plumage

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

This one looks like a Eurasian Teal to me - squatter, shorter neck, larger head and longer bill than on a Falcated. I think it's a male just starting to moult into breeding plumage

also a much smaller bird than Falcated duck... agree on Eurasian Teal for this one
and Falcated duck for the originally posted bird

 

[mzwebby]

Thanks John & Joern! I obviously have some work to do on duck ID. Appreciate the specific pointers.