Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2022-19
| Common name: |
Mexican Duck |
| Scientific name: | Anas diazi |
| Date: | May 2, 2022 |
| Time: | 10:00 |
| Length of time observed: | 1 min |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Adult |
| Sex: | Male |
| Location: | Left bank of San Juan River at mile 24.5 below Sand Island launch |
| County: | San Juan |
| Latilong: | 37.170472, -109.835317 |
| Elevation: | 4,080 feet |
| Distance to bird: | 5 yards |
| Optical equipment: | None, very close observation from raft |
| Weather: | Clear, no wind, approx 60 deg F. |
| Light Conditions: | Good morning light, full sun, no shade |
| Description: Size of bird: | Mallard size |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | Dabbling duck |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Various shades of brown similar to female mallard |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Yellow mallard-like dabbling bill |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Male MEDU having plumage similar to female MALL but with medium to dark chestnut brown body, sharply changing to a lighter brown neck and head, dark eye line, no white on curl-less tail and a yellow bill. Observed at close range while we floated by on the raft. Familiar with MALLxMEDU hybrids which usually show slight greenish tinge on head and/or white on tail, sometimes curled. This duck had none of those attributes. At the time, and still, we thought it quite serendipitous that Mexican Hat Rock was in view across the river from the MEDU. Did not have camera. |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Silent bird |
| Behavior: | Swimming in shallow eddy then moved to sandy bank to stand and watch us as we slowly floated by. |
| Habitat: | River and river bank. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
Most easily confused with female mallard and/or MALLxMEDU hybrid. Yellow bill quickly eliminated female MALL. All brown head lacking any signs of green tinge, no white or curls on tail feathers make hybrid less likely. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
Have observed and documented MEDU several times in nearby Montezuma County, Colorado. |
| References consulted: | Experience |
| Description from: | Notes taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Mike Thompson |
| Observer's address: | 18032 Road G, Cortez, CO 81321 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Karmen King |
| Date prepared: | 5/9/22 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional comments: |