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Mareca penelope
This is a medium sized discreet dabbling duck, about 40-45cm in length, and observed here is female, of more discreet colours than male - mainly rufous-brown, with a distinct white belly patch (not visible here), and a short grey-blue bill with dark point.
Relatively common wintering bird in and around freshwater lakes in mountainous regions of French Alps, Prealps and Jura ranges. I see it every winter on lakes, pools and ponds; here, close to shores of Annecy lake. Their breeding (and summer) grounds are northernmost regions, and boreal forest lakes and marshes.
I'm just realizing that this species has changed its scientific name from Anas Penelope to Mareca penelope...
Spotted on Feb 25, 2021
Submitted on Feb 25, 2021
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