Molting Long-tailed Ducks in Toronto

Adult male Long-tailed Duck molting into breeding plumage. What a difference seven weeks makes as head and neck feathers and scapulars are replaced with a darker plumage. Toronto Harbour on 23 April 2016

The Long-tailed Ducks were in different stages of molt. Toronto Harbour on 23 April 2016.

Each bird is different. So striking.

Possibly a first year male with short scapulars and a short tail?

Female Long-tailed Duck molting into breeding plumage. Toronto Harbour on 23 April 2016

Previous pages of Long-tailed Ducks in winter plumage

More Long-tailed Ducks - page 6 - in Pickering on 5 March 2016

Variation in Long-tailed Ducks - page 4 - near Toronto on 2-3 March 2016