Here are three images of male Wood Ducks taken at McLane Lake near Olympia on 25 September 2019, 4 October 2019, and 11 February 2020. The second male is either immature and/or eclipse plumage, that ducks undergo after the breeding season. Note the faint suggestion of the male’s white chin stripes.
The second one is an immature/first fall drake.
ReplyDeleteI believe the timing would be off for an adult drake to still be in eclipse plumage in October. And even when adult drakes are in full eclipse, their bills and the yellow skin around the eye remain as bright as in breeding plumage. Also, the dull tertials and scapulars appear juvenile as these feathers are still iridescent in eclipse plumage.
Thanks for the input!
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