Best time to see: Nov to mid Mar
Key facts
Compact duck: male black and white; female grey, chestnut and white
Habitat: freshwater lakes, reservoirs and estuaries
Annual winter visitor to UK; breeds in Scandinavia
Recognition
Male: black and white duck with black eye patch
Swims and dives frequently to feed
Eats fish; flight strong and powerful
Lifecycle
Nest is an unlined tree hole
1 brood May – June; 6-9 creamy eggs
- Main photo
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Photo © David Harrison