compare belly plumage patterns

Gadwall GADW (Anas strepera)

 

Drakes (right to left )

2,1 & rump of 3

see below

 

Helmcken Centennial Park

Portage Inlet

Saanich

Greater Victoria BC

 

DSCN6497

 

This small park at times idss loaded with ducks,geese and gulls.

I don't recall anywhere else in Greater Victoria one can have prolonged views of Gadwall out of the water.

 

Some "Gadwall-ogy" follows

:)

 

So the trio of males in this Park showcased something i found very interesting.

 

 

#1 bird has dark grey underparts - no white

#3 bird has most white underparts up to and including area around vent (butt hole)

 

#2 bird is intermediate ,with lighter grey from rear to mid point of belly - then going white towards breast

 

I am not sure if this is a colour variation within the species , or if the 1st bird represents "Full" breeding plumage and the other 2 are emergent sub adults or are still transitioning from eclipse

 

One would have thought we would be in full breeding plumage by now...yet GWTE have many (sub adults ? i think mostly ) working on it

 

Done