ckn

Nam Sang Wai
17/11/2006

The nose of the duck at right looks like a Common Shelduck or Black Scoter, but the colour is entirely different.  Its head looks like a Common Teal.  Please identify.  Thanks.

ajohn

The bird is a common teal male starting moult into breeding plumage (note the barred grey feathers on the flanks)
I suspect the unusual head shape is the result of missing feathers on the head which is also undergoing moult.

ckn

[quote:36ec7d42e6="ajohn"]The bird is a common teal male starting moult into breeding plumage (note the barred grey feathers on the flanks)
I suspect the unusual head shape is the result of missing feathers on the head which is also undergoing moult.[/quote]

Thank you John