Hybrid Northern Shoveler x Cinnamon Teal (Anas clypeata x A. cyanoptera), The Lakes at Castlerock, Pima County

This hybrid Northern Shoveler x Cinnamon Teal was found and photographed by Brian Nicholas on 04 January 2020

Hybrids among waterfowl are rare, but more regular than in many other groups of birds. This combination has been recorded many times, including this bird from Phoenix and this one from Willcox..

This bird appears similar to Northern Shoveler in many ways, but with the rich chestnut coloration of the underparts of a Cinnamon Teal. The white crescent on the face may suggest Blue-winged Teal parentage, but in fact is typical of this hybrid combination. Click here for an illustration of this combination, drawn in part from a known-parentage bird in captivity.

04 January 2020, photo by Brian Nicholas

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