Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Mexican Duck
Scientific name:	Anas diazi
Date:	1/29/24
Time:	3:30 PM
Length of time observed:	20 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Adult
Sex:	Male
Location:	Powell Lake in Lehi, Utah
County:	Utah
Latilong:	40.380896, -111.903191
Elevation:	Approximately 4500'
Distance to bird:	20 yards
Optical equipment:	Vortex Viper HD 10x50, Nikon Z8 camera with 180-600mm lens
Weather:	Sunny and calm
Light Conditions:	Natural sunlight
Description: Size of bird:	Similar to female Mallard it was paired with
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Similar to Mallard
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Darker body than Mallard, head and neck similar to female Mallard, yellow bill
(Description:) Bill Type:	Duck
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	The duck was associating with a female Mallard for comparison. They appeared to be paired (as were most other Mallards on the pond during my observation). Both were similar in size. The MEDU's body was darker than the female Mallard, the necks and heads were similar in appearance, but the male MEDU had a yellow bill and tail feathers that were darker than the white feathers on the female Mallard. There were no curled covert feathers on the MEDU's tail. See images for all field marks and comparison to the female Mallard. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	N/A
Behavior:	Foraging with a female Mallard
Habitat:	Shallow pond
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	See notes in description section
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I've seen several MEDU in Utah County and a pair in southern Arizona
References consulted:	Sibley app, Macaulay Library images, All About Birds website
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Jeff Cooper
Observer's address:
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	2/3/24
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments: