Earlier this season a pair of "ducks" came into our spread perfectly cupped and dropping hard. My buddy shot first, and downed one. I shot second and shot the second but it fell in very thick tall grass on the other side of the bank, and was never retrieved. The duck was smaller, like a teal. Flying about the same speed. It had a very narrow beak that was about three or four inches long. Mostly brownish grey on the back with a white underside. I've looked everywhere and can't ID it. Could it be a gallinule? I have pictures, I'll post them later tonight.

First thought was Merganser? I don't know though. I've never shot one or seen on shot on a hunt.

Looks like a Merganser to me.

Ive only seen mergansers once, but that looks like it

That is a hen hooded merganser.

Here's my buddy with one he killed last year.

Merganser but not sure if it is a commone merg or a female hooded.

looks like a hooded merganser

this is a hooded

this is a common

this is a red breasted