Wigeon, Loch Na Bo, NE Scotland

[varisian]

I took this photo, among others, this afternoon and posted it elsewhere expecting that it might be a Eurasian / American hybrid. I was astounded to learn that green flashes on the head is common among Eurasian Wigeon as we have thousands wintering locally and I have never before seen one with green on its head. I also thought the central head stripe was much paler than the usual. I have included a photo of our normal wigeons for comparison.

Comments please.

[nickderry]

I'm afraid so, these green patches are on quite a few of the birds at the correct angle. This one is particularly well-marked in this respect. There are no features elsewhere that would suggest a hybrid I'm afraid.

[Jurij Hanžel]

If you look closely, you'll find some faint green markings on your image of the "normal" Wigeon as well! This phenomenon isn't as uncommon as it may seem - it's just that this feature isn't mentioned in any of the mainstream field guides.

[Graham Etherington]

In your photo the light is coming from the right and the bird has its head turned into the sun. In these conditions any green in the head will be very pronounced. In darker light, the bird might not show such intense green.
As commented by others above, it is quite common though, for Eurasian Wigeons to show green in their head pattern.

[Vermfly]

This looks like a good Eurasian. All the Eurasian/American Wigeon hybrids I've seen show larger amounts of brown in the sides. They aren't mostly silvery gray.

[varisian]

The green colouration is clearly seen in any light on this bird and everyone is agreed that it is Eurasian and I have learnt something new. Thanks everyone.