cywong 17/01/2010 21:27
Are both of them female Greater Scaups?
Are both of them female Greater Scaups? They look slightly different.
Mai Po, 16/01/2010
kkoel 18/01/2010 00:03
I would agree with you - they both have large "cotton balls" on the cheek, extending to the lower forehead, which seems to be the hallmark of female Scaups.
cywong 19/01/2010 00:08
Thank you very much for your reply.
lpaul 19/01/2010 08:14
Note also the greyish mantle and flanks, the very rounded head, the diffuse dark tip to the bill, the pale spot on the cheeks and the broad bill - all classic female Scaup features. Important to check other features as some female Tufted Duck show extensive white on the head like these birds.
cywong 20/01/2010 20:44
Many thanks to Paul for the detailed explanation which is very useful.