Sorry about photos but heat and distance took their tolls. This bird was found feeding in a wet area left by the falling Mississippi River on the north side of the island. It has been about 3 years since the last birds were seen in TN. This area is only a mile or so from Ensley Bottoms where I located the first TN record on Oct. 3, 2003.

The olive tone of the bill makes me think this is could be a female. The males we have had around here have had really yellow bills but this bird is in eclipse plumage so? Note there are no light or pale feathers showing on the sides of the tail. Much darker when directly compared to Mallards it was with and internal marking were visable on mantle and side feathers.

See other TN Mottled Ducks at: http://www.pbase.com/ol_coot/mottled_ducks