Dr. Wolverine

[CONFIRMATION NEEDED] Eurasian Wigeon and Possible American Wigeon ~ Karuizawa

12/27/2023
While reviewing my old photos, I found this one female that seems like a female American Wigeon. While I am not 100% certain, this individual has all the necessary traits distinguishing American Wigeons from their Eurasian counterparts. I would be very grateful if anyone could confirm this possible rarity. In case you are wondering, the American Wigeon in question is the female with the greyish head in the middle of the photo.
 
I must say it certainly does look like a female American wigeon indeed with the grey feathers on the head. It might be worth placing it on inaturalist and tagging in some North American birders who are more familiar with the species than you or I.

@CMP & @birdsandbats might be able to give their opinions on it too.
 
Sorry, but I don't have any idea how one is supposed to differentiate the females of these two species. I wasn't even aware that was possible, I've never seen a field guide mention it.
 
@birdsandbats female American wigeons have a paler grey head compared to Eurasians which have a light rufous-brown head, and a darker patch around the eye making a more masked appearance. Axillaries and underwing converts are white, compared to the grey ones in Eurasians.
 

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