Best time to see: Oct to Apr
Key facts
Long slim duck of estuaries and sea in winter and rivers during the breeding season
Habitat: freshwater, sea and estuaries
Breeds in N. and W. Britain and Scandinavia; winters on UK coasts
Recognition
Male: bottle-green head with double crest, brown speckled breast
Swims fast and dives well to catch fish
Eats fish; flight strong and powerful
Lifecycle
Nest is a lined hollow, well hidden amongst rocks or tree roots
1 Brood May – June; 7-12 buffy eggs
- Main photo
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Photo © Robin Chittenden