If you look close, it actually has a double pin feather. but its not too rare to kill mature widgeon with sprigs like this one. I just think its a widgeon/mallard mix, but had to get it mounted, first I'd seen in 24 years of chasing beaks and feathers!!
My brother killed a Widgeon/Mallard cross about 25 years ago at Manchac. It was a drake also but no where near as good looking as the one pictured. His was more of the Mallard size and shape with some of the widgeon head color and chest color. Partial green head but it was early season and probably wasn't in good plumage yet.
Best looking cross I've seen was a Mallard/Pintail Drake with the best of both. It was at a taxidermist almost 40 years ago.
I killed a mallard/pintail cross about 8 years ago.I will post a pic of it later.Have it on the wall at the house.I asked the local enforcement agent what he would count the bird as in a limit and he told me whatever it took to put me over the limit....gotta love that!!!
Many years ago I killed a grey duck, currently on my wall, with a white ring around his neck like this one...not quite as heavy white, but very noticable. Although this widgeon could have a little pintail mix, I believe it is probably just a very old widgeon. The same thing goes for my grey duck...no other characteristics of another species, just the white ring around the neck which may be because the bird was very old???
