Bahama/South American White-cheeked Pintail Complex
Bahama/South American White-cheeked Pintail Complex
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This complex refers to the two main subspecies of White-cheeked Pintail, *Anas bahamensis bahamensis* (Bahama Pintail) and *Anas bahamensis rubrirostris* (South American Red-billed Pintail), which are very similar and intergrade. Their subtle differences are often challenging to distinguish.
Where to spot
The Bahama Pintail is found throughout the Caribbean islands, while the Red-billed Pintail is widely distributed across South America. Both inhabit coastal lagoons, estuaries, and freshwater wetlands.
How to spot
Look for the classic White-cheeked Pintail features: white cheeks, dark cap, and red bill base. Distinguishing between the specific subspecies usually involves subtle differences in the extent of red on the bill, overall body plumage tone, or average size, which are often highly variable.
When to spot
Year-round residents within their respective ranges. They are consistently present in appropriate aquatic habitats.
Where to spot
The Bahama Pintail is found throughout the Caribbean islands, while the Red-billed Pintail is widely distributed across South America. Both inhabit coastal lagoons, estuaries, and freshwater wetlands.
How to spot
Look for the classic White-cheeked Pintail features: white cheeks, dark cap, and red bill base. Distinguishing between the specific subspecies usually involves subtle differences in the extent of red on the bill, overall body plumage tone, or average size, which are often highly variable.
When to spot
Year-round residents within their respective ranges. They are consistently present in appropriate aquatic habitats.
While these two subspecies show some genetic distinctions, their morphological differences are often so subtle that even experts find it difficult to reliably identify them in the field without detailed examination.
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