Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: Birdchick on March 23, 2016, 10:03:31 PM

Title: Who's this?
Post by: Birdchick on March 23, 2016, 10:03:31 PM

Hello all! This is my first post here! Hopefully these links work. This weirdo showed up in the pond in Col. Sam Smith Park on March 15. That is a yellow spot over both ears. I'm thinking Mallard X Teal hybrid? I have seen what I thought was the same species over the winter in Humber Bay West, but now I wonder if it's the same individual!

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/922/RtcDHE.jpg)

Title: Re: Who's this?
Post by: Reuven_M on March 24, 2016, 09:15:53 AM

This Mallard x American Wigeon hybrid has been returning to the Etobicoke waterfront since at least 2009!
http://reuvenmartin.blogspot.ca/2013/04 ... ybrid.html (http://reuvenmartin.blogspot.ca/2013/04/mallard-x-american-wigeon-hybrid.html)

Title: Re: Who's this?
Post by: Birdchick on March 24, 2016, 10:19:33 AM

Wow thanks Reuven, that's amazing! I'm surprised he has been around for that long! I have seen him off and on for the last 2 years, mostly along the Mimico Waterfront Park hanging out with mallards. I finally got a photo, though unfortunately not very good because I was crouched in some bushes. Interesting hybrid!

Title: Re: Who's this?
Post by: Brian Bailey on March 24, 2016, 09:11:58 PM

I saw him there again last Saturday. Considering how uncommon this hybrid is, I found it really surprising to encounter what appears to be another American Wigeon X Mallard hybrid in Mimico last month.

This second bird has more white on the face, a yellower bill, and a Mallard tail curl.
(https://download.ams.birds.cornell.edu/api/v1/asset/24756391)
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S27743738

BB

Title: Re: Who's this?
Post by: Birdchick on March 29, 2016, 12:33:09 PM

I saw the one in question in Mimico Waterfront Park all winter as well. I wonder if they are somehow related!