White-headed Duck
White-headed Duck
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1 day ago
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The White-headed Duck is a distinctive stiff-tailed duck, closely related to the Ruddy Duck, recognized by the male's prominent white head and sky-blue bill. They are known for their shy nature and highly aquatic lifestyle.
Where to spot
Breeds in scattered populations across southern and eastern Europe, and central and western Asia, preferring saline or brackish lakes and marshes with emergent vegetation. Winters in larger, ice-free saline lakes and coastal lagoons, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin and Southwest Asia.
How to spot
Look for them on larger, often saline or brackish, wetlands, where they spend most of their time on the water. Males are unmistakable with their white head (except for a black crown) and bright blue bill. Females are browner with a dark cap and a dark stripe across a whitish cheek. They often hold their tail stiffly erect like the Ruddy Duck.
When to spot
Best observed during spring and summer in breeding areas, or in winter on larger, often saline, wetlands.
Where to spot
Breeds in scattered populations across southern and eastern Europe, and central and western Asia, preferring saline or brackish lakes and marshes with emergent vegetation. Winters in larger, ice-free saline lakes and coastal lagoons, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin and Southwest Asia.
How to spot
Look for them on larger, often saline or brackish, wetlands, where they spend most of their time on the water. Males are unmistakable with their white head (except for a black crown) and bright blue bill. Females are browner with a dark cap and a dark stripe across a whitish cheek. They often hold their tail stiffly erect like the Ruddy Duck.
When to spot
Best observed during spring and summer in breeding areas, or in winter on larger, often saline, wetlands.
Credits:
pietplaat
Credits:
Vlaskop
White-headed Ducks are one of the few duck species that regularly hybridize with the introduced North American Ruddy Duck, leading to significant conservation concerns for this species in Europe.
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