Ferruginous vs Baer's Pouchard

[Bob Dittrick]

Help with ID - Greetings from Alaska, this is my first post. On a trip to Bhutan we saw this duck which created much discussion within our group. I posted on birdforum and got a couple responses but would like to get a few more. I have gone through many photos of these species and have yet to see one showing wing bars on a bird in this posture. The shape of the head seems most consistent with Baer's the coloration Ferruginous. I have no personal experience with either.

Is the light loral area on any significance for identification?


Bob

[Dave B]

Help with ID - Greetings from Alaska, this is my first post. On a trip to Bhutan we saw this duck which created much discussion within our group. I posted on birdforum and got a couple responses but would like to get a few more. I have gone through many photos of these species and have yet to see one showing wing bars on a bird in this posture. The shape of the head seems most consistent with Baer's the coloration Ferruginous. I have no personal experience with either.

Is the light loral area on any significance for identification?


Bob

Hi Bob

A bit surprised to see you haven't had any takers, so I'll have a go. It's been a few years since I saw either species, but in my view, your bird is much closer to Ferruginous than Baer's. I would expect to see some paleness on the flank if it were a male Baer's.

I am slightly curious to know if the eye is white, or, as it appears to be, pale yellow. If the latter, I'm not sure what that signifies - immaturity perhaps?

Dave