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Subject: Is it a Falcated Duck? [Print This Page]

Author: fkm Time: 27/07/2011 02:30 Subject: Is it a Falcated Duck?

Dec. 2010, NSW

The duck does not resemble anything in the photoguide, closest match seems to be the Falcated Duck. A young male?

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Author: akhan Time: 27/07/2011 08:29

This is Northern Male Pintail

Author: fkm Time: 27/07/2011 09:35

Quote:

Original posted by akhan at 27/07/2011 08:29
This is Northern Male Pintail

Oops

...but the green on its head...

Thank you for helping with my confusion.

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Author: ajohn Time: 27/07/2011 09:59

I think the green tint to the head is probably due to the angle of sunlight hitting the feathers. The structure of some feathers can give a slight iridescence like this. The bird is definitely a male Northern Pintail.

Author: fkm Time: 27/07/2011 23:51

Quote:

Original posted by ajohn at 27/07/2011 09:59
I think the green tint to the head is probably due to the angle of sunlight hitting the feathers. The structure of some feathers can give a slight iridescence like this. The bird is definitely a male ...

Yes, once mentioned, the duck does resemble a male Pintail except the colors on its head. I doubt if it is the light though, I have taken hundreds of images for the Pintails and seems no others display such colors...perhaps a plumage variation of some sort?

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