Mystery Teal

Mystery Teal, Berry Fen, 17th May 2008, © Richard Thomas
Ostensibly a Eurasion Teal with a rather large bill, this duck shows hints of a Garganey-like face pattern, but without the loral white spot and a thin tapering streak on the side of the tail which is somewhat thinner than expected in a Teal, and also perhaps more Garganey-like. The broad white border to the speculum does not invite an identification of Green-winged Teal, as this should have chestnut tones. So, it is either an extremely odd Teal or a hybrid of some sort, probably with Garganey (RGN).