Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata x Gadwall Mareca strepera hybrid

Both species were formerly placed in the genus Anas.

This hybrid occurs naturally in North America and Eurasia.

I twitched this individual as I was in the area anyway. It was a reasonable distance away and spent most of its time out of view behind the vegetation at the near edge of the water. The harsh light added to the challenge of getting good quality photos but even though my photos don't do it justice, it was a spectacular bird. The pale cheek is perhaps unexpected but in fact this is the usual appearance for this hybrid.

male Northern Shoveler x Gadwall hybrid, Nosterfield (North Yorkshire, UK), 31st December 2019

For comparison, here are photos of the parent species.

Northern Shoveler, Great Ryburgh (Norfolk, UK), 28th March 2017 and Gadwall, Guist Bridge (Norfolk, UK), 18th April 2022

For more photos of these species follow the links below:

• Northern Shoveler
• Gadwall