Barrow’s and hybrid

Okay so Barrow’s Goldeneyes (these guys) and Common Goldeneyes are super similar cousin species, with similar habits and habitats. Their colours have a few differences, notably the white face patches (teardrop-shaped for Barrow’s, circular for Common).

Also, wings: the one closest to me is hanging out with other Barrow’s, but his wings have a lot of white on them, closer to a Common Goldeneye. Maybe it’s the way he’s holding them and arranging the feathers? Or could he be a hybrid? Apparently the two species can hybridise. Could explain why his face patch seems shorter and more blunted than his friend’s.

   3 March 2023
   ILCE-7M3
   1/500s    f/8   560mm   ISO 500
Barrow's Goldeneyes and one Common / Barrow's hybrid