Saturday 28 February 2015

Recent updates

Gadwall x Mallard hybrid (with Bufflehead), South Platte River, Denver County (Colorado, USA), 21st January 2013 - copyright Cathy Sheeter
(photo ID: 1870)


A stack of new work added since my last update post.  These include some great photos from Cathy Sheeter (like the one above) and a whole load from Steve Graby, among others.  Big thanks to all who have contributed.


Added or updated since my last update post:


New bird hybrid pages added for:

New photos added to:

Text updated and new photos added to:

Text updated on bird hybrid pages for:

Also a reminder that you can see a index list linking you to all the bird hybrids featured so far here:
And an index list of all the bird hybrid topics covered so far here:

Enjoy browsing - and please do contribute where you can!

Pied Wheatear x Black-eared Wheatear

presumed Pied Wheatear x Black-eared Wheatear, Balcik (Bulgaria), 18th April 2006 - copyright Steve Mlodinow
(photo ID: 2012)


There have been a number of claims of Finsch's Wheatear in Bulgaria, but it seems that these have proved controversial.  They have been found breeding with female Pied Wheatears and a more likely explanation is that they are Pied Wheatear x Eastern Black-eared Wheatear hybrids.  Such hybrids are known to occur frequently and their appearance can be strikingly similar to that of Finsch's Wheatear.

Some hybrids have darker backs than this bird, but I think this should be in range for a worn and faded bird at least.  It is sometimes said that the absence of a white tip to the tail is a pointer away from Finsch's Wheatear, although I am not sure that's enough to rule out Finsch's on its own as surely the white must disappear on worn birds?  More telling for Steve's bird here is the way the black extends up the outer tail feather - it should not do this on a Finsch's Wheatear.

presumed Pied Wheatear x Black-eared Wheatear (same bird as in photo ID 2012 above), Balcik (Bulgaria), 18th April 2006 - copyright Steve Mlodinow
(photo ID: 2013)


Finsch's Wheatear Oenanthe finschii
Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
(Eastern) Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe (hispanica) melanoleuca

European Goldfinch x Island Canary

presumed European Goldinch x Island Canary hybrid, East Park, Hull (East Yorkshire, UK), 27th March 2016 - copyright Steven Russell
(photo ID: 2753)


Although finches do occasionally hybridise in the wild they are often deliberately crossed by breeders.  Both of the birds shown in this thread were seen in the wild but it is difficult to find a solution from the native British species.  Goldfinch x Canary is a popular hybrid among breeders and escaped (or released?) examples of this seem to be responsible for both individuals.

The Goldfinch influence is clear for the first one but the second species is less so.  The dark warm-brown mantle and streaky flanks might suggest Linnet, but this bird shows a double wing-bar which is yellow.  Goldfinch has yellow in the wing, but not patterned like this (see the flight shot below), so this would suggest one of the Canary/Serin/Siskin group.  Some yellow on the face supports that, and the white collar probably indicates that the parent was a domestic bird, presumably a Canary.



presumed European Goldinch x Island Canary hybrid (same bird as in photo ID 2753 above), East Park, Hull (East Yorkshire, UK), 27th March 2016 - copyright Steven Russell
(photo IDs: 2754-2756)


The next bird is a bit different, showing more yellow on the underparts.  Again the Goldinch parent is clear with its red face, pink bill, yellow wing stripe and white-tipped primaries, but the yellow species giving it its yellow underparts is less easy to determine.  The dark streaking along the flanks is a clue and the most likely answer is Goldfinch x Canary.  This is a popular hybrid among breeders and presumably this is such a bird that has escaped (or been released).



probable European Goldinch x Island Canary hybrid, Bangor (Gwynedd, UK), May 2012 - copyright Steve Graby
(photo IDs: 1989-1991)


A similar (caged) bird appears in an ID discussion thread on Birdforum here.



European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
Island Canary Serinus canaria

Ruddy Shelduck x Common Shelduck

Ruddy Shelduck x Common Shelduck hybrid, Rutland Water (Rutland, UK), May 2010 - copyright Steve Graby
(photo ID: 1947)


Some examples of this hybrid look much closer to Ruddy Shelduck in appearance, but birds like this one, superficially resembling Australasian Shelduck, are quite typical.





Ruddy Shelduck x Common Shelduck hybrid (same bird as in photo ID 1947 above; with Egyptian Goose), Rutland Water (Rutland, UK), May 2010 - copyright Steve Graby
(photo IDs: 1942-1946)


Here is another bird, rather similar to the last but with perhaps greyer flanks.

Ruddy Shelduck x Common Shelduck hybrid, Thorpe Park (Surrey, UK), 23rd January 2014 - copyright David Darrell-Lambert
(photo ID: 2688)


The next bird's identity is not certain.  I am struggling to come up with any alternative, though I have not seen an example looking quite like this before.  Joern also finds it odd and hasn't seen a Shelduck hybrid like it before, so we must retain some doubt over its identity.  Nevertheless my rationale for feeling that Ruddy x Common Shelduck is the best-fitting (if imperfect) solution is as follows...

The extensive orange colouration presumably points to Ruddy or South African (Cape) Shelduck and the fact that this extends on to the head (and the breast and vent are quite dark) seems to point to Ruddy rather than South African.  The legs have a strong pink element which probably counts out any dark-legged species for the second parent, but leaving Common Shelduck (among others).  Most examples of Ruddy Shelduck x Common Shelduck hybrids look quite different, often showing a white collar and often showing grey flanks, but both of those features can be absent on this hybrid.  Other ideas are welcome though - please comment if you have any thoughts.

Something I didn't notice when I first looked at these photos is that there is a tiny patch of pink on the culmen of the bill, and also a slight hint of a raised knob at the base of the bill.  Both of these features would be compatible with Common Shelduck involvement.

One possible explanation for its unusual appearance is that it could be a backcrossed bird (Ruddy Shelduck x Common Shelduck hybrid as one parent, Ruddy Shelduck the other).  But Ian Gereg has raised another possibility.  There is a new colour mutation of Ruddy Shelduck called 'red' known in captivity which apparently looks like this bird.  At the moment we are not clear how this mutation is produced, but we suspect that it does not come simply from mutation in Ruddy Shelduck and no input from Common Shelduck, but perhaps the Common Shelduck input was some generations back?  We hope to find out more - if you are any clearer on the origin of this "mutation" then please get in touch.





captive probable Ruddy Shelduck x Common Shelduck hybrid (perhaps backcrossed; with Ruddy Shelduck), private collection (Staffordshire, UK), 29th March 2016 - copyright Brian Harris
(photo IDs: 2794-2798)


The next one is probably the same bird.

captive probable Ruddy Shelduck x Common Shelduck hybrid (perhaps backcrossed; with Ruddy Shelduck), JCB Lakes, Rocester (Staffordshire, UK), 30th March 2016 - copyright Philip Ridsdale
(photo ID: 3091)



Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea 
Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

Monday 9 February 2015

Recent updates

You can always find the latest updates to this project by checking the Latest updates page at any time - this is updated at the end of any day when new pages are added or new photos or other information is added to existing pages.

We realise that some followers may prefer to subscribe by email (there's a button to subscribe on the right hand panel if you're using a PC/desktop not a mobile device).  If so you'll get notifications when new pages are added but I don't think you'll see updates to existing pages.  From time to time (maybe around weekly... we'll see how it goes) we will add a new "Recent updates" post highlighting anything that's been added recently - since the last Recent updates post.  That way everyone can see what's new.

To kick off, here's what's new over the last couple of weeks:



New bird hybrid pages added for:

New photos added to:

Big thanks as usual to all the contributors - and if you're reading this and have anything to contribute please get in touch!

Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon

Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 15th January 2015 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo ID: 2028)


Vagrant American Wigeons turn up regularly among the Wigeon flocks in western Europe and hybrids between the two species appear from time to time.  A similar situation occurs in east Asia, while the mirror situation occurs with Eurasian Wigeon turning up among American flocks in east and west North America (especially in the Pacific north-west, I understand).

The first series of photos here show what is assumed to be the same bird returning each winter for at least 9 consecutive years.

Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 21st December 2007 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo ID: 2018)


Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 11th January 2008 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo ID: 2019)


Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 14th January 2009 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo ID: 2020)



Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 5th December 2009 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo IDs: 2021-2022)


Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 7th January 2010 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo ID: 2023)


Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 6th December 2010 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo ID: 2024)


Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 29h November 2012 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo ID: 2025)


Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 18th December 2012 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo ID: 2026)


Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 10th January 2014 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo ID: 2027)


Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 15th January 2015 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo ID: 2029)


Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Swallows Park, Clarkston, Asotin County (Washington, USA), 23rd November 2015 - copyright Keith Carlson
(photo ID: 2308)


Steve thinks the dark neck collar and chin may be atypical for this hybrid although it seems to be shown on both of the next birds.  There is quite a bit of variation in Eurasian Wigeon with respect to this feature so perhaps we should expect to see that variation come through in their hybrids?


Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Olympia (Washington, USA), 23rd January 2011 - copyright Steve Mlodinow
(photo IDs: 2186-2187)



Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Oak Harbor (Washington, USA), 19th December 2009 - copyright Steve Mlodinow
(photo IDs: 2219-2220)


Although this hybrid can occur on the eastern seaboard of North America, in Europe and in eastern Asia, here is another one from the west side of North America where it seems to be most frequently recorded.

Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid (with American Wigeons), Kelowna (British Columbia, Canada), 2nd February 2015 - copyright Ian Walker
(photo ID: 2786)


The next bird was reported as either an American Wigeon or a hybrid but by the time I arrived some people thought it might even be just a weird Eurasian Wigeon.  I can't see that personally, but it does look good for a hybrid.  My only hesitation is over whether Eurasian Wigeon x Chiloe Wigeon can be ruled out.  I would expect a Chiloe hybrid to show more orange tones on the flanks where as this bird showed very American-like deep brownish pink tones - however this may be within range for Eurasian x Chiloe (see the photos we have of that hybrid here, one of which looks rather similar to this bird).  Indeed Joern has also picked up on the possibility of this bird being Eurasian x Chiloe, though he is also uncertain.  He points out the extent of dark on the crown which is not typical of Eurasian x American, though sometimes this hybrid may have some dark in the crown.  Some Eurasian Wigeon can have some dark in the crown too, so this is perhaps not necessarily proof of Chiloe Wigeon influence, but maybe it does point that way.  The fact that my photos aren't good doesn't help!  Worth noting that Wigeon hybrids appear to be fertile so Chiloe Wigeon hybrid backcrossed with Eurasian Wigeon should also be considered.




possible Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid (with Eurasian Wigeon), Cley (Norfolk, UK), 7th February 2015 - copyright Dave Appleton
(photo IDs: 1814-1817)


The next bird seems like a fairly clear-cut hybrid.  Len points out that the pale forehead mark is two-toned.  The base of the bill is faintly outlined in black.  This bird was associating with American Wigeons.



Eurasian Wigeon x American Wigeon hybrid, Gallinas (California, USA), 18th January 2015 - copyright Len Blumin
(photo IDs: 2922-2924)



Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
American Wigeon Anas americana
Chiloe Wigeon Anas sibilatrix

Canvasback x (Redhead or Ring-necked Duck)

Canvasback x Ring-necked Duck or Canvasback x Redhead hybrid, Erie Reservoir, Boulder County (Colorado, USA), 4th February 2015 - copyright Steve Mlodinow
(photo ID: 1821)


Steve's photos of this one might not be his best but they were taken shortly before dusk on a cloudy day, so I think we can forgive him ;-)  He notes:
"The bill seemed to have some black around the base of the bill, and probably on the saddle [see photo ID 1819 below] as well as at the tip.  The bird looked paler than any of these photos indicated, with a distinctly darker head and upper neck.  No eyering."

Steve also tells us that there are photos of a male Canvasback x Redhead hybrid in the eBird collection that shows a bird "that alternates from the more Canvasback profile to that weird slope coming up of the bill and then flattening out on the crown".  He goes on to say:
"This bird has a bit more white around the face than I'd expect form this cross [Canvasback x Redhead].  It was with a Redhead and a Ring-necked Duck male, switching its attention from one to the other.  Its speculum was that of Ring-necked Duck/Canvasback/Redhead but not a scaup (or Tufted!).  My experience with Ring-necked Duck x Scaup hybrids is that the hybrids show the scaup parent's speculum.  The bird was smaller than the Redhead, so I wonder... Question, could this be a Canvasback x Ring-necked Duck?  I am actually leaning that way"




Canvasback x Ring-necked Duck or Canvasback x Redhead hybrid (same bird as in photo ID 1821 above), Erie Reservoir, Boulder County (Colorado, USA), 4th February 2015 - copyright Steve Mlodinow
(photo IDs: 1818-1820)


Canvasback Aythya valisineria
Redhead Aythya americana
Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris