ML646783046

Observation details

Intermediate in plumage between the two parent species. In some respects similar to an Eastern Spot-billed Duck with an equally extensive yellow bill tip (20 - 25%), two very dark facial stripes & broad white tips extending over about one-third of the tertials but the overall plumage tones were too pale for that species & much more similar to a female Mallard. It's crown was paler and brower than that of an Eastern Spot-bill; it supercilia & breast buff and warmer/far less cold; the pale fringes to its mantle, scapular and flank feathers were also much broader creating a scaly pattern very similar to that of a female Mallard. Unlike in Eastern Spot-billed Duck there was a barely perceptible darkering on the rear flanks and the vent and the background colour to the undertail coverts was essentially white with extensive dark streaking (just as in a female Mallard). Digiscoped.