Best time to see: all year
Key facts
Small dumpy duck with cocked stiff tail
Habitat: freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs
Introduced from N. America to England in 1960s; now widespread and common and a threat to the native white-headed duck
Recognition
Male: Chestnut upperparts, white cheeks, black cap and blue bill in summer, black in winter
Swims and dives to feed
Eats seeds and larvae
Lifecycle
Nest is a floating mound of vegetation
1 Brood May – June ; 6-10 white eggs
- Main photo
.jpg)
Photo © David Harrison