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Subject: [Ducks] Are both of them female Greater Scaups? [Print This Page]

Author: cywong Time: 17/01/2010 21:27 Subject: Are both of them female Greater Scaups?

Are both of them female Greater Scaups? They look slightly different.

Mai Po, 16/01/2010

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Author: kkoel Time: 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.

Author: cywong Time: 19/01/2010 00:08

Thank you very much for your reply.

Author: lpaul Time: 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.

Author: cywong Time: 20/01/2010 20:44

Many thanks to Paul for the detailed explanation which is very useful.

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