Female Greater Scaup?

[Romy Ocon]

Got these this afternoon at Candaba, both 100% crops, EXIF intact.

It could just be a female Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula), but the clearly defined white patch at the base of upper mandible, the shape of head, and the seeming absence of tuft intrigue me to think it might be a female Aythya marila. BTW, according to the KG, the GS was recorded only once - in Nov 1906 at Laguna de bay. ;D ;D ;D







Any ID confirmation from Steve or others greatly appreciated.

Romy

[Bob Kaufman]

Master Romy, for me it looks more like a Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) but KG and even the Birds of Southeast Asia book does not even mention Lesser Scaup as occuring in that area. The females of both species look very much alike though, the noticeable difference being in the shape of the head. My shot below of a Lesser Scaup shows the indicative "notch" on the head.

Your duck could very well be a Greater Scaup. Let's see what Sir Steve says.

[Adri Constantino]

Hi Romy,

I think this is an "eclipse" form of the female Tufted Duck. I think the yellow eyes are also indicative of the tufted. Not sure though, so let us wait for the experts.

By the way, very nice detailed pics.

Adri

[steve pryor]

Noted. Will look later today.