ML230557881

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Long staying drake in channel off Iley Point. This bird appears to be a young male, perhaps a second year bird which is now undergoing moult to summer plumage. The head and breast being speckled with the darker garb of summer. Most duck species show two moult cycles per year, however, Long-tailed Duck are unique in that they undergo three moult sequences. These are (1) in summer/early autumn consisting of replacement of head, neck and scapular feathers continuing in September-December where all feathers are replaced except tail, wing and rear underparts; in April (2) when much of the head, breast and mantle are moulted; and after breeding (3) when the rest of the feathers are moulted including the flight feathers. This bird is therefore undergoing moult 2 as described above. The wing feathers are clearly worn having been retained since the post-breeding moult, number 3 in the sequence above.

Technical information

Original file size

1.54 MB