Northern Shoveler X Blue-winged Teal (Anas clypeata X A. discors), Gilbert Water Ranch, Maricopa County

This apparent hybrid Northern Shoveller x Blue-winged Teal was found and photographed by Bernie Howe on 27 January 2016

One was present at this location in April 2014 and may be the same individual.

Hybridization among waterfowl occurs with a higher frequency than most other groups. This is the fourth report of this hybrid pairing posted to AZFO.  

The white crescent on the face is shown by eclipse male shovelers and by hybrids with both Cinnamon and Blue-winged Teal. However the color of the rest of the head and the pattern on the body are intermediate between Blue-winged Teal and Northern Shoveler.  Hybrids with Cinnamon Teal have completely rufous bodies without the spotting. Also superficially resembles an Australasian Shoveler (Anas rhynchotis), but note the different pattern to the upperparts.

27 January 2016, photo by Bernie Howe

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