[obol] Wigeons of Unusual Ancestry

[DAVID IRONS]

I took another look at Steve's images, and the transitional molt idea is supported by his picture (the middle one in the second row) of three wigeon.  If you look closely, you can see the the tertials (the short dark feathers above the flanks in the folded wing) on the male in the back are very short and somewhat blunt looking.  Also, the flanks have a mottled look with multiple shades of brown.  If you look at the front bird, it is in crisp basic plumage.  Note the very even coloration of the flanks and the length and shape of the long pointed tertials (dark centers with light edges).  These tertials appear to be completely grown in, whereas the tertials on the bird in the back are very short and not fully developed.

Dave Irons



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