American Wigeon x Northern Shoveler

American Wigeon x Northern Shoveler hybrid, Firestone Gravel Pits, Weld County (Colorado, USA), 17th May 2015 - copyright Steve Mlodinow

(photo ID: 2254)

This seems to be quite a rare hybrid - not only is it our first here but Steve tells us that it was also not an available selection on eBird.  For American Wigeon Steve draws attention to the green head band, the buff chest and the blue on the bill (and I think the white on the upper wing-coverts may also point to Wigeon involvement).  For Shoveler Steve points to the bill shape, the deep orange sides and the grey upper wing-coverts.

American Wigeon x Northern Shoveler hybrid (same bird as in photo ID 2254 above), Firestone Gravel Pits, Weld County (Colorado, USA), 17th May 2015 - copyright Steve Mlodinow

(photo IDs: 2252-2253)

American Wigeon Anas americana
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata