|
English
and Scientific names: |
Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanopterus) |
|
Number
of individuals: |
Two birds, both males, one in "eclipse" plumage, the other largely returning to alternate plumage. |
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Locality:
LOUISIANA: |
Vermilion |
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Specific
Locality: |
LA-99 south of LA 380 |
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Date(s)
when observed: |
6 November 2009 |
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Time(s)
of day when observed: |
about 4:45pm-5:20pm |
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Reporting
observer and address: |
Daniel Lane |
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Other observers
accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
Field Guides tour group (8 participants) |
|
Other observers who
independently identified the bird(s) |
|
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Light conditions
(position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): |
Evening sun. Birds were east of us, so light was good. |
|
Optical
equipment: |
Zeiss 10x40 binoculars, Leica telescope with 25-40x eyepiece |
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Distance
to bird(s): |
Approx. 100 meters |
|
Duration
of observation: |
Approx. 20-30 min. |
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Habitat:
|
Flooded rice field. |
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Behavior
of bird: |
The two Cinnamon Teal were among a large concentration of other ducks, shorebirds, and waders that were assembling at dusk for roosting. Both teal were observed as they preened and generally were not very active. |
|
Description: |
The first individual spotted was more in eclipse plumage, but had a strongly cinnamon-washed head, longer, more spatulate bill than Blue-winged Teal (but less so than Shoveler), and had a red iris. The second bird was largely in alternate plumage, showing strong chestnut head, breast, and back, but retained "eclipse" plumage on the flanks and belly. Both were males. Larger than Blue-winged Teal (which were nearby for comparison), but smaller than Northern Shoveler. |
|
Voice: |
None noted. |
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Similar species: |
Blue-winged Teal female, and male in eclipse, is grayer overall, has a smaller bill, and never has a red eye. |
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Photographs or tape
recordings obtained? |
Photos of both birds were obtained by Lane (digiscoped). |
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Previous experience with
this species: |
I have seen Cinnamon Teal often, mostly in the western US, but in LA in January of this year (Lacassine NWR). |
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Identification
aids: |
None. |
|
This
description is written from: |
Memory, photos. |
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Are you positive of your
identification? If not, explain: |
Yes. |
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Date
and time: |
10 Nov 09, 6:20pm. |