Mandarin ducks in eclipse?

Ukwildlifeo · #1 (**permalink**) 20-09-2007, 02:00 PM

I noticed that the madarin ducks have gone into eclipse as they should have like this regular at Bedfords Park:

But in my other local park were atleast 2 or 3 males in full colouration like the guy on the right:

Does anyone know why he is still in full colour? Could it be because maybe he is a recent escapee?

PS sorry bout the poor quality pics, there both heavily cropped

paulchandler6 · #2 (**permalink**) 20-09-2007, 02:35 PM

Not sure abot Mandarin Duck moult strategy, but maybe moult has been delayed or advanced in that one. ?

Paul

Meles meles · #3 (**permalink**) 20-09-2007, 04:51 PM

Could it be that he has been a warmer part of the country, ??

The first is a great photo.

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 20-09-2007, 08:06 PM

I think you'll find that they are now coming out of eclipse + returning to full plumage. The first bird is obviously a bit slower, whereas the later photo is more advanced. Go to any good wildfowl site now + you'll see a wide range of plumages. Gadwall + Mallard seem to come out of eclipse earlier than some species. Wigeon seem to be one of the latest species to return to full plumage.

Ukwildlifeo · #5 (**permalink**) 21-09-2007, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I think you'll find that they are now coming out of eclipse + returning to full plumage. The first bird is obviously a bit slower, whereas the later photo is more advanced. Go to any good wildfowl site now + you'll see a wide range of plumages. Gadwall + Mallard seem to come out of eclipse earlier than some species. Wigeon seem to be one of the latest species to return to full plumage.

Ah that explains it. Thanks - that explains alll th full coloured ducks in london too