Is this a female Scaup, please?

[colincurry]

I took this near Over reed beds yesterday. I think it is a female Scaup as opposed to Tuftie. There again .......



Thanks

Colin

[RobS]

Hmm my answer is I don't know, but what might help is that I have seen female Tufteds with a lot of white like that, and depending on where you live isn't it a tad early for Scaup?

If I had to say one, I would day Tufted - but what do I know?

Rob S

[RobS]

I did some research, I'm still going to say Tufted on wing pattern but it is not slam dunk!

Shall be interested to see what an expert says when one comes along.

Rob S

[Picidae]

Agree it's not always easy separating aythyas this time of year (ie. immatures/eclipses/females etc) but structure doesn't lie and going on bill shape, I too would agree with Rob and say it's a Tufted. The bill looks short and stubby cf. to female Scaup which has a rather robust bill and while not necessarily diagnostic, the lack of overlip would make me look towards Tufted too as would the headshape in flight.



Also, again, as Rob says, it is a little early for Scaup (most records are mid winter although they do start drifting in early autumn - worth bearing in mind, Scaup are far less common of course!)

Imm. Scaup - note extensive white on female forehead with large bill - (head shape similar to Tufted) - on the male, in this position, a steeper forehead at the front with a more triangular shaped head

Galleriet - Netfugl.dk

[Picidae]

I'm having trouble posting some links here! hang on.

http://www.birdguides.com/iris/pictu...v=0&off=267822

That one seemed to work! Look at the first pic in the link.