Michael,
No, the terminology isn't out of date. As a pom just recently arrived in
Aus, I can attest to the fact that British birders still check their male
teals for the diagnostic white crescent, in the vain hope that they can
become the envy of all their birding friends (and perhaps stand a chance of
finding their first trans-atlantic yankee vagrant - Green-winged Teals are
not all that uncommon but easily overlooked). The bird in question is most
definitely of the yankee sort and I would be surprised if one had not
occurred in Australia before.
On the subject of absolute features for identification: in addition to the
white crescent, Green-winged Teal has buff, not white leading edges to the
speculum and lacks distinct vermaculations on the flanks (which is suggested
also by the photo).
Simon.
__________________________________________
Simon Mustoe - Principle
AES Applied Ecology Solutions Pty Ltd.
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Victoria 3156
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