Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid) (Anas penelope X americana), CantaMia (Gated Community), Maricopa County

This Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid) was found and photographed by Mark A. Brogie on 19 December 2018

American Wigeon is abundant in Arizona during winter, while Eurasian Wigeon is rare but regular in small numbers during winter.  Hybrids between American and Eurasian Wigeon are almost as common as pure Eurasians in Arizona, so care must be taken in all identifications.

This individual shows the gray flanks contrasting with pink breast of a Eurasian Wigeon and the extensive green wash behind the eye of an American Wigeon. The buff forehead and cheek are intermediate in color between the two species on this individual.

19 December 2018, photo by Mark A. Brogie

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