[FYLegend]

Saw this unusual male Gadwall at a local pond in Surrey a few weeks ago. The sun wasn't shining much that day but the colours were still apparent.

This variant is not entirely unheard of and seems to be mostly a simple variation of the Gadwall type with the masked appearance. They're sometimes misidentified as a hybrid with wigeon or pintail.

Unfortunately he wasn't there the next day and I have not seen him since.



Purple-Headed Gadwall by Frank Lin, on Flickr





Gadwall - Pair (Purple-headed male) by Frank Lin, on Flickr

Purple-Headed Gadwall by Frank Lin, on Flickr



Hello! Purple-Headed Gadwall by Frank Lin, on Flickr

[revs]

Neat duck!

[nealdoan]

Super find. Thanks so much for sharing.