Rosy-billed Pochard Netta peposaca x Common Pochard Aythya ferina hybrid

I wasn't familiar with Rosy-billed Pochard when I took these photos and assumed that's what they were, but Joern subsequently pointed out that there are some anomalies for pure Rosy-billed Pochard. Most obviously the back is too pale, but I think the knob at the base of the bill is also a little subdued and there is perhaps a little too much black on the tip of the bill. I think the fact that the black at the rear of the flanks bleeds into the white vent is also indicative of it being a hybrid. Common Pochard seems the most likely second parent, supported by the appearance of the female (scroll down for more on that).

captive Rosy-billed Pochard x Common Pochard hybrid, Blakeney Quayside collection, UK), 18th January 2004

The bill on this female seems quite wrong for pure Rosy-billed Pochard and recalls Common Pochard, although the swellings at the base of the culmen are clearly Rosy-billed features.

captive Rosy-billed Pochard x Common Pochard hybrid, Blakeney Quayside collection, UK), 18th January 2004

For comparison, here are photos of the parent species.

captive Rosy-billed Pochard, Blakeney Quayside collection (Norfolk, UK), 27th October 2018 and Common Pochard, Welney (Norfolk, UK), 29th November 2014

For more photos of these species follow the links below:

• Rosy-billed Pochard
• Common Pochard