Ring-necked Duck x Scaup hybrid
![Image](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5UwCOHPzob5DjV72NAyppkGrlNEz4FwgTzTlfae7L3fB1MRZH3Bi0ku3giUBGce28REMK4UMr99FfbUE2g5B4Jv8FhYQFh2uK-DlkvXNE8vM2a5zwyRUkQ9iEbVRPfIRR-Xc7zmPeqwd/s1600/1J1A4955a.jpg)
Another New Haven Harbor hybrid Aythya , amongst a wintering mixed scaup flock. I have seen this bird three times, initially on January 19th. Trying to figure out the scaup species involved is a bit of a headache. In the field I certainly found the bird to give more of a Greater Scaup-like vibe, based on body, head, and bill shape & size, for what it's worth. However it has been hypothesized that the mediocre open-wing photo is pro-Lesser, as the obvious white is restricted to the secondaries, but I'm not convinced that is anything more than suggestive. All criteria seem shaky. Click for larger images: Hybrid's head shot pasted between GRSC and LESC for comparison (identical lighting conditions). Not to scale (hybrid's head is magnified). Vibrance kicked up a few notches to accentuate head color. Older pics, with Greaters, from back in January: - Nick