Rouen Drake changing color after molt?!

[aaustin93]

Hi everyone!

Is it normal for a male Rouen to change from the typical male coloring (gray, white ring, green neck and beak) to female coloring after a molt at this time of year? He literally looks just like a female with brown feathers. I couldnt find anything about it when I googled it /:

thanks,
Ali

 

[sourland]

He is exhibiting Eclipse plumage, the summer plumage of a drake. Later this fall he will once again go through a molt and develop the Nuptial plumage of a breeding male. Yes, it is normal and is an annual occurrence.