Long-tailed Duck

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I posted an image in the Avian forum of a Long-tailed Duck. I thought it is a male juvenile, Declan Troy thinks it is an adult male: http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=55675

Any thoughts? Thanks!

[John Chardine]

My feeling is the long-tail cliches it as an adult.

[Declan Troy]

That was my thought although sometimes the long white scapulars are a better clincher as some birds keep their tails on the water. Here is what a subadult male looks like (mid-March); sort of like a female with a male bill pattern and lighter eye.

[Wayne Richardson]

Hi Axel

Long-tailed Ducks probably have the most complex series of plumage changes of any duck as they develop. Both sexes have 3 moults resulting in 4 plumages! :eek:

The interesting aspect here, is that it appears to be moulting from autumn (Fall) plumage directly to summer, so missing out the familiar winter stage. Both the dark breast band & relatively long tail would rule out 1st winter males, which can be extremely variable. However, sub-adults are much like adults from around August of their 2nd year. Perhaps this is such a bird, rather than a full adult?

Cheers: Wayne

PS: Added to your post in main Avian forum too.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Thank you for your input, Wayne! It's much appreciated. Makes sense to me, although I'm just learning about different plumages of this species here.