BIRDWALKERMONDAY

Friday, 29 June 2018

29-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - STRIPED GRAYLING BUTTERFLY (Hipparchia fidia)

Hipparchia fidia, the striped grayling, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found on the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands and in south-eastern France and the bordering parts of Italy and North Africa.

S. fidia L. (44 d). Above similar to the preceding [ fatua ], but the underside much more variegated and brighter: the ocelli of the forewing large, broadly bordered with yellow, there being before them white smears which are proximally bordered by a black line.

On the underside of the hindwing the exterior black discal line projects behind the apex of the cell as a broad tooth; it is externally broadly white and beyond it there are moreover strong white smears extending towards the distal margin.

The wingspan is 48–56 millimetres (1.9–2.2 in).

The butterflies fly from July to August depending on the location.

The larvae feed on various types of grass.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SPOTTED EAGLE OWL (Bubo africanus)

The Spotted Eagle-Owl, known scientifically as Bubo africanus, is a medium-sized owl and one of the more diminutive members of the eagle owl family. It measures approximately 45 cm (18 inches) in length and weighs between 454 to 907 grams (1.0 to 2.0 pounds), with a wingspan ranging from 100 to 140 cm (39 to 55 inches). This species is distinguished by its off-white to pale ochre facial disk and striking yellow eyes. It boasts prominent ear-tufts, a dusky brown upper body, and off-white lower parts adorned with brown bars.

When attempting to identify the Spotted Eagle-Owl, look for its prominent ear-tufts and the distinctive barring on its chest and belly. The yellow eyes set against the pale facial disk are also key identification features. Its flight is silent and buoyant, typical of owl species.

The Spotted Eagle-Owl is versatile in its choice of habitat. It is commonly found in southern Africa, thriving in both thorn savanna and suburban gardens. It has a particular fondness for rocky outcrops and open areas, where it often roosts on the ground or in tree crowns.

This owl is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is the most prevalent owl species in southern Africa and is frequently encountered in urban areas, living in close proximity to human settlements.

The Spotted Eagle-Owl is a solitary and nocturnal bird, known for its typical eagle-owl hoots. The male's call consists of two hoots, "Hooo hooopoooo," while the female responds with three, "Hooo hoo hooo." The young communicate with hisses and beak snaps when threatened. This species is also known to bathe, often seen during summer thunderstorms with wings spread.

The male's two-part hoot and the female's three-part response are characteristic of this species. The young make a rasping noise when hungry, which can be heard over long distances.

Spotted Eagle-Owls are monogamous and breed from late July to early February. They often nest on the ground or in large cavities, including man-made structures. The female lays two to four eggs and incubates them for about 32 days. Owlets leave the nest at around five weeks old and are flight-capable at seven weeks, though they remain dependent on their parents for several weeks thereafter.

The diet of the Spotted Eagle-Owl primarily includes rodents, small mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles. It has a preference for small mammals like rodents and shrews. The owl often swallows prey whole and regurgitates indigestible parts as pellets. It is a generalist feeder and may move to new hunting grounds when prey becomes scarce.

The Spotted Eagle-Owl is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is a common species within its range, but it faces threats from car collisions, electric wires, persecution, secondary poisoning, and parasite infections. Conservation efforts include specialized care for captive owlets and release methods for reintegration into the wild. It is illegal to capture or keep indigenous owls in South Africa without a permit.

Thursday, 28 June 2018

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis)

25-3-2018 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

The Egyptian goose is largely terrestrial, capable of perching on trees and buildings. It is known for its aggressive territorial behavior, especially during breeding season, and is not hesitant to engage in aerial combat with intruders. The species is monogamous, with both parents caring for their offspring.

The male's call is a subdued, hoarse quack, becoming louder and more rapid when agitated, resembling a steam engine. The female's quack is raucous and frequently heard, particularly when defending her young.

Nesting occurs in a variety of locations, with a preference for holes in mature trees. Both parents incubate the eggs, and the young are capable of foraging for themselves shortly after hatching.

Egyptian geese primarily consume seeds, leaves, grasses, and plant stems. They may also eat small animals such as locusts and worms. Goslings initially feed on small aquatic invertebrates before transitioning to grazing.

The Egyptian goose is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population. However, in regions where it has been introduced, it is considered invasive and may pose a threat to native species.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SOUTHERN GROUND HORNBILL (Bucorvus leadbeateri)

The Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri), formerly known as Bucorvus cafer, is a remarkable bird, the largest in the hornbill order and found exclusively within Africa. This majestic creature, with a length ranging from 90 to 129 cm and a wingspan of 1.2 to 1.8 meters, is a sight to behold. The males, larger than the females, can weigh between 3.5 to 6.2 kilograms, while females range from 2.2 to 4.6 kilograms. They are predominantly black with striking red patches of bare skin on the face and throat, which serve to keep dust from their eyes while foraging. In flight, the white tips of their wings are distinctly visible. The beak is robust, black, and slightly curved, with a casque more pronounced in males. Females are identified by their violet-blue throat skin, while juveniles have a paler, greyish patch instead of the vibrant red.

To identify the Southern Ground Hornbill, look for its large size, black plumage, and the vivid red or violet-blue skin on the throat. The male's throat is a pure red, while the female's is deep violet-blue. Juveniles can be recognized by their duller grey throat patch. In flight, the white primary feathers are a key distinguishing feature.

The Southern Ground Hornbill is found in woodlands and savannas, requiring a habitat with large trees for nesting and short grass for foraging.

This species ranges from Kenya to South Africa, with its presence also noted in northern Namibia and Angola to southern Zimbabwe and Burundi.

Living in groups of 5 to 10, these birds are apex predators and play a crucial ecological role. They forage on the ground, hunting a variety of prey from insects to small mammals. They are known for their loud, chorus-like calls that can be heard over great distances, serving as a means of maintaining their territory.

The Southern Ground Hornbill's calls are a distinctive aspect of their behavior, used for communication and territorial purposes. These calls can be heard up to 3 kilometers away.

Breeding pairs are assisted by at least two other birds, and experience as helpers is essential for successful rearing of young. They reach sexual maturity around 4-6 years of age and start breeding at about 10 years. Nesting typically occurs in high tree cavities or cliff face rock holes. They lay one to three eggs, but only one chick is usually reared to fledging.

The Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (B. abyssinicus) is similar but can be distinguished by its size and range.

Southern Ground Hornbills are carnivorous, feeding on reptiles, frogs, snails, insects, and mammals up to the size of hares. They forage on the ground and rarely drink water.

The IUCN lists the Southern Ground Hornbill as Vulnerable globally, with an Endangered status in South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini. Their numbers are declining due to habitat destruction, persecution, and other factors. Conservation efforts include habitat preservation and captive breeding programs.

16-4-2021 MANDINA LODGE, GAMBIA - VIOLET TURACO (Musophaga violacea)

The violet turaco, also known as the violaceous plantain eater (Musophaga violacea), is a large turaco, a group of African otidimorphae.

These are unmistakable birds, but shy and often inconspicuous in the treetops. They are approximately 48 cm (19 in) long, including a long tail and a 4 cm (1.6 in) bill. They boast a winglength of 21 cm (8.3 in) and weigh approximately 360 g. The plumage is glossy violet, except for the yellow forehead, chestnut crown and white ear coverts; the bill is thick and red. In flight, the violet turaco's crimson primary flight feathers contrast with the violet plumage. The red colour in the wings is typical of turacos.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans)

The black kite was described by the French polymath Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon in his Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux in 1770. The bird was also illustrated in a hand-coloured plate engraved by François-Nicolas Martinet in the Planches Enluminées D'Histoire Naturelle which was produced under the supervision of Edme-Louis Daubenton to accompany Buffon's text. Neither the plate caption nor Buffon's description included a scientific name but in 1783 the Dutch naturalist Pieter Boddaert coined the binomial name Falco migrans in his catalogue of the Planches Enluminées. The type locality is France. The current genus Milvus was erected by the French naturalist Bernard Germain de Lacépède in 1799. Milvus is the Latin word for a red kite; the specific migrans means "migrating" from the Latin migrare "to migrate".

The red kite has been known to hybridize with the black kite (in captivity where both species were kept together, and in the wild on the Cape Verde Islands).

Recent DNA studies suggest that the yellow-billed African races parasitus and aegyptius differ significantly from black kites in the Eurasian clade, and should be considered a separate allopatric species: yellow-billed kite, M. aegyptius. They occur throughout Africa except for the Congo Basin and the Sahara Desert. There have been some suggestions that the black-eared kite (M. m. lineatus) should be elevated to full species status as M. lineatus, but this is not well supported.

Black kites can be distinguished from red kites by the slightly smaller size, less forked tail (visible in flight), and generally dark plumage without any rufous. The sexes are alike though the male is a little smaller and less aggressive (this is the case in most birds of prey). They weigh on average 735 grams. The upper plumage is brown but the head and neck tend to be paler. The patch behind the eye appears darker. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base. The lower parts of the body are pale brown, becoming lighter towards the chin. The body feathers have dark shafts giving it a streaked appearance. The cere and gape are yellow, but the bill is black (unlike that of the yellow-billed kite). The legs are yellow and the claws are black. They have a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. Males and females have the same plumage but females are longer than males and have a little larger wingspan. Their wingspan is around 150 cm.

The species is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The temperate populations of this kite tend to be migratory while the tropical ones are resident. European and central Asian birds (subspecies M. m. migrans and black-eared kite M. m. lineatus, respectively) are migratory, moving to the tropics in winter, but races in warmer regions such as the Indian M. m. govinda (small Indian/pariah kite), or the Australasian M. m. affinis (fork-tailed kite), are resident. In some areas such as in the United Kingdom, the black kite occurs only as a wanderer on migration. These birds are usually of the nominate race, but in November 2006 a juvenile of the eastern lineatus, not previously recorded in western Europe, was found in Lincolnshire.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SECRETARY BIRD (Sagittarius serpentarius)

28-6-2018 CAMI LES FONTS OLIVA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

The spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata ) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It breeds in most of Europe and in the Palearctic to Siberia, and is migratory, wintering in Africa and south western Asia. It is declining in parts of its range.

This is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have grey-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, with a streaked crown and breast, giving rise to the bird's common name. The legs are short and black, and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. Juveniles are browner than adults and have spots on the upperparts.

28-6-2018 OLIVA PLAYA, VALENCIA - SEA DAFFODIL (Pancratium maritimum)

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - DOMESTIC GUINEA PIG (Cavia porcellus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/119405-Cavia-porcellus

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - AFRICAN GREY PARROT (Psittacus erithacus)

The grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), also known as the Congo grey parrot, Congo African grey parrot or African grey parrot, is an Old World parrot in the family Psittacidae. The Timneh parrot (Psittacus timneh) once was identified as a subspecies of the grey parrot, but has since been elevated to a full species.

The grey parrot is native to equatorial Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, the Congo, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda. The species is found inside a range from Kenya to the eastern part of the Ivory Coast. Current estimates for the global population are uncertain and range from 630,000 to 13 million birds. Populations are decreasing worldwide. The species seems to favor dense forests, but can also be found at forest edges and in more open vegetation types, such as gallery and savanna forests.

A population study published in 2015 found that the species had been "virtually eliminated" from Ghana with numbers declining 90 to 99% since 1992. They were found in only 10 of 42 forested areas, and three roosts that once held 700–1200 birds each, now had only 18 in total. Local people mainly blamed the pet trade and the felling of timber for the decline. Populations are thought to be stable in Cameroon. In the Congo, an estimated 15,000 are taken every year for the pet trade, from the eastern part of the country, although the annual quota is stated to be 5,000.

Wednesday, 27 June 2018

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SOUTHERN YELLOW BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus leucomelas ssp parvior)

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - NANDAY PARAKEET (Aratinga nenday)

The Nanday Parakeet, also known as the Black-hooded Parakeet or Nanday Conure, is a medium-small parrot, resplendent in its mostly green plumage. It measures between 27 to 30 centimeters in length and weighs approximately 140 grams. The bird is instantly recognizable by its striking black facial mask and beak, a feature that has inspired its name. Its wings boast black, trailing flight feathers, and its long tail is elegantly edged with blue. The upper chest of this parrot is a bluish-green, transitioning to a paler green on the lower chest, while red feathers adorn the thighs.

When attempting to identify the Nanday Parakeet, look for its distinctive black mask and beak, which contrast sharply with its vibrant green body. The trailing edges of the wings are black, and the tail is long with a blue tip. The bird's upper chest is bluish-green, and the lower chest is paler. Red feathers on the thighs are another key characteristic to observe.

In the wild, Nanday Parakeets are found in scrub forests and forest clearings, often near human settlements. They are also known to inhabit open savannahs, pastures, and stockyards, where they can sometimes be considered pests.

This species is native to South America, with its range extending from southeast Bolivia to southwest Brazil, central Paraguay, and northern Argentina, particularly in the Pantanal region. Escaped or released caged birds have established self-sustaining populations in various locations, including Tenerife and several areas in the United States such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Florida.

Nanday Parakeets are social birds that form large communal roosts outside of the breeding season. They are known to feed on a variety of seeds, fruits, palm nuts, berries, flowers, and buds. In urban environments, they may also visit bird feeders.

During the breeding season, these parakeets typically nest in tree cavities. Females lay clutches of three to four eggs, and after the young are raised, the birds regroup into communal roosts.

The diet of the Nanday Parakeet consists of seeds, fruits, palm nuts, berries, flowers, and buds. They are known to adapt to available food sources in their environment, including visiting bird feeders in urban areas.

The Nanday Parakeet is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or extinction.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber)

The Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber), sometimes referred to as the red ibis, is a strikingly colored member of the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. Its brilliant scarlet plumage sets it apart from other species, making it an unmistakable sight in its native habitats. This bird is one of the two national birds of Trinidad and Tobago and is celebrated in the region's culture and folklore.

Adult Scarlet Ibises are predominantly scarlet, with the intensity of color varying slightly across their feathers. The tips of their wings are the only exception, displaying a rich inky black or dark blue on the longest primaries. The bill and feet are generally red, though the bill may darken towards the end. Juveniles start out grey, brown, and white, gradually acquiring the adult's scarlet hue as they mature. Adults measure 55–63 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of approximately 54 centimeters.

Scarlet Ibises favor wetlands and marshy environments, including mudflats, shorelines, and rainforests. They are often found in areas with abundant water sources, such as swamps, where they can forage for food.

This species has a broad range across South America and the Caribbean. It is native to Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, and several Caribbean islands. The Scarlet Ibis is also known to inhabit the coastal regions of various Brazilian states.

Scarlet Ibises are strong fliers, migrating in flocks that adopt the classic V formation. They are sociable birds, living in groups and nesting in close proximity to one another. These birds are also known for their aggressive behavior when foraging, often dominating over other species to secure food.

The Scarlet Ibis is relatively quiet, with its vocalizations typically consisting of low-pitched honking sounds.

Mating pairs construct simple stick nests in trees, often above water for protection. They lay clutches of three to five eggs, which incubate for about 19–23 days. Both parents share in the care of the young.

The American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) is the closest relative and is sometimes considered conspecific. However, the Scarlet Ibis is distinguished by its vibrant red coloration.

The diet of the Scarlet Ibis is varied, including insects, crustaceans, and other small prey. They use their long, curved bills to probe for food in mud and under plants. Their red coloration is due to a diet rich in red crustaceans, which contain the carotenoid astaxanthin.

The Scarlet Ibis is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. While some local populations are declining, the species as a whole is not currently considered threatened.

The Scarlet Ibis holds significant cultural importance in Trinidad and Tobago, where it is a national bird and features on the country's coat of arms. It is also a focal species for conservation efforts in the region, particularly within the Caroni Swamp wildlife sanctuary.

27-6-2018 POTRIES, VALENCIA - EPAULET SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Orthetrum chrysostigma)

Orthetrum chrysostigma, the epaulet skimmer, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Burundi as well as Canary Islands, Israel, and Portugal. It was recorded in the Maltese Islands in 2010. One was also spotted in Tel Aviv, Israel in August 2022.

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, rivers, intermittent rivers, shrub-dominated wetlands, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, and freshwater springs. The adults prey on various flying insects. The bodies of adult males are blue, and those of young and females are yellow and brown.

Very widespread and occurs virtually throughout Africa, including North Africa. It also occurs in parts of Southern Europe and the Middle East. In South Africa it occurs virtually throughout, but is scarce in the dry central regions.

The Epaulet Skimmer is a southern European and African dragonfly. A little similar to the Keeled Skimmer of the UK, it has a narrow elongated body with central raised "keel". Above is the attractive pale blue male with turquoise eyes, but the "epaulet" marking on the thorax that gives it its name is not often clear and darkens with age.

27-6-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LARGE WALL BROWN BUTTERFLY (Lasiommata maera)

26-6-2018 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

The Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata, is a modestly adorned yet charming small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and the Palearctic as far as Siberia, and spending the winter months in Africa and southwestern Asia. Despite its widespread presence, there is concern over its decline in certain areas.

Adult Spotted Flycatchers possess grey-brown upperparts and a somewhat pallid underbelly. Their crown and breast are streaked, which is the origin of their common name. They have short, black legs and a black bill shaped to suit their insectivorous diet. Juveniles can be distinguished by their browner plumage and the presence of spots on their upperparts.

These birds favor deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly those with open spaces amidst trees.

The Spotted Flycatcher has a broad breeding range, extending from Europe to western Siberia and northwest Africa. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to southern Africa.

With an upright posture, these flycatchers are often seen hunting from prominent perches, darting out to snatch flying insects and frequently returning to the same spot.

The call of the Spotted Flycatcher is a soft, high-pitched, and slightly descending 'tssssseeeeeppppp'.

The Spotted Flycatcher constructs an open nest in a recess, often against a wall, and is amenable to using open-fronted nest boxes. Clutches typically consist of 4-6 eggs. Remarkably, they exhibit excellent egg recognition, a likely evolutionary response to past parasitism by the common cuckoo.

The Mediterranean flycatcher, previously considered a subspecies, is similar in appearance but has been recognized as a separate species due to genetic differences.

As aerial insectivores, Spotted Flycatchers feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air from their vantage points.

The IUCN currently lists the Spotted Flycatcher as Least Concern, although there are noted declines in some regions of its range.

18-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - YELLOW BILLED DUCK (Anas undulata)

The yellow-billed duck (Anas undulata) is a 51–58 cm long dabbling duck which is an abundant resident breeder in southern and eastern Africa. This duck is not migratory, but wanders in the dry season to find suitable waters. It is highly gregarious outside the breeding season and forms large flocks.

These are mallard-sized mainly grey ducks with a darker head and bright yellow bill. The wings are whitish below, and from above show a white-bordered green speculum. Sexes are similar, and juveniles are slightly duller than adults. The north-eastern race is darker and has a brighter bill and blue speculum.

It is a bird of freshwater habitats in fairly open country and feeds by dabbling for plant food mainly in the evening or at night. It nests on the ground in dense vegetation near water. Rarely, it is found in suburban areas, in close proximity to golf courses, parks and lakes or dams. The clutch numbers between six and twelve eggs.

The male has a teal-like whistle, whereas the female has a mallard-like quack.

There are two subspecies of the yellow-billed duck: A. undulata rueppelli (northern yellow-billed duck) and A. undulata undulata (southern yellow-billed duck). The yellow-billed duck is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. The southern nominate subspecies is declining due to competition and hybridization with feral mallards (Rhymer 2006)

Male and female yellow-billed ducks have a statistically significant difference in life spans. Male ducks live for 4 years and 4 months on average while female ducks only live for just over 3 years. As such the difference in survival rate is statistically significant as well. 79% of males survive any given year while only 72% of females do. While the juvenile survival rate is highly variable year to year, on average 67% of juveniles survive. Highest mortality for the yellow-billed duck occurs in the summer months with December typically having the highest death rate out of any month of the year closely followed by January.

The male yellow-billed duck performs multiple displays of courtship, similar to many other African ducks. The number of courtship displays the yellow-billed ducks perform is greater than many other African ducks. Ornithologists have noted seven major displays of courtship similar African ducks perform; most species do not perform all seven, however, the yellow-billed duck will engage in all seven forms of courtship. The lack of sexual dichotomy and generally bland plumage may be the driving factor for the elaborate displays of courtship.

In the mid-20th century, mallards were introduced to Africa and as the invasive population size has grown, concerns over possible hybridization with the yellow-billed duck have occurred. This fear is fueled by other examples of invasive mallards causing localized extinction of other native ducks around the world because of hybridization.

The fear of possible hybridization between mallards and yellow-billed ducks has been exacerbated by casual observations that suggest possible hybridization of the yellow-billed duck with other native ducks is occurring, however, no genetic tests have been done to shine additional light on these morphological observations to confirm if these individuals are truly hybrids.

Even when genetics have been used, it is still difficult to understand if hybridization is occurring. If hybridization between mallards and yellow-billed ducks is occurring is still debated. Two recent (2019 and 2020) DNA sequencing studies reached opposite conclusions on if hybridization between mallards and yellow-billed ducks is happening. Nevertheless, scientists agree that changes to the gene pool of yellow-billed ducks from possible hybridization, even in the long term, is likely to be negligible. This is because even if mallard and yellow-billed duck hybridization is occurring, introgression is mainly occurring to the mallards’ gene pool, keeping the yellow-billed ducks genetics fairly intact.