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  • Goldeneye - Bucephala clangula - Female. L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    155138.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    153958.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    153962.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    127264.jpg
  • Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula L 40-47cm. Familiar diving duck. Tufted crown useful in identification. Gregarious in winter. In flight, note white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage; purplish sheen on head seen in good light. Has yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. In eclipse, white elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest on flanks and belly. Has white at base of bill (less than female Scaup), yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with duller colours. Voice Male utters a soft peep. Status Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits.. Several thousand pairs breed; winter numbers boosted dramatically by migrants from mainland Europe.
    127282.jpg
  • Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis L 35-43cm. North American species with established feral populations. Tail is regularly cocked up. Male is unmistakable but female could be mistaken for winter plumage Little Grebe. Adult male has orange-chestnut body plumage, white cheeks and stern, black cap and nape, and bright blue bill; colours are brightest in spring. Adult female has grey-brown plumage with paler cheeks and dark line from base of bill; bill is dull blue-grey. Voice Mostly silent. Status Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits with vegetated margins. Escaped from Slimbridge several decades ago, now locally common in lowland Britain.
    128872.jpg
  • Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius L 15-17cm. Slim-bodied little plover that lacks white wingbar. Sexes are similar. Summer adult has sandy brown upperparts and white underparts with black collar and breast band, and black and white markings on head. Has black bill, yellow legs and yellow eyering. Female has duller black elements of head plumage than male. Juvenile has black elements of plumage replaced by sandy brown. Breast band is usually incomplete, leg and eyering colours are dull, and head lacks pale supercilium seen in juvenile Ringed Plover. Voice Utters a pee-oo call. Status Locally fairly common, nesting around margins of flooded gravel pits and other manmade sites. Migrants turn up at freshwater sites outside breeding range and sometimes on coast.
    133058.jpg
  • Pochard Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    143103.jpg
  • Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca L 38-42cm. Attractive diving duck. In flight, all birds show striking white wingbar on upperwing, white underwings and white belly. In all birds, cap is peaked and bill is mainly grey; pale band separates grey from dark tip. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has rich, reddish brown plumage, darkest on back, almost black on rump and tail. Has white stern and white belly (latter only visible in flight) and white eye. Adult female is similar to adult male but reddish colouration is duller and eye is dark. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller colours. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce visitor, mainly outside breeding season. Species’ status is confused by presence of undoubted escapees from captivity. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    143473.jpg
  • Pochard Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    145635.jpg
  • Red-crested Pochard - Netta rufina - female L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits
    157677.jpg
  • Ferruginous Duck - Aythya ferruginea. L 38-42cm. Attractive diving duck. In flight, all birds show striking white wingbar on upperwing, white underwings and white belly. In all birds, cap is peaked and bill is mainly grey; pale band separates grey from dark tip. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has rich, reddish brown plumage, darkest on back, almost black on rump and tail. Has white stern and white belly (latter only visible in flight) and white eye. Adult female is similar to adult male but reddish colouration is duller and eye is dark. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller colours. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce visitor, mainly outside breeding season. Species’ status is confused by presence of undoubted escapees from captivity. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    157676.jpg
  • Ferruginous Duck - Aythya ferruginea. L 38-42cm. Attractive diving duck. In flight, all birds show striking white wingbar on upperwing, white underwings and white belly. In all birds, cap is peaked and bill is mainly grey; pale band separates grey from dark tip. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has rich, reddish brown plumage, darkest on back, almost black on rump and tail. Has white stern and white belly (latter only visible in flight) and white eye. Adult female is similar to adult male but reddish colouration is duller and eye is dark. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller colours. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce visitor, mainly outside breeding season. Species’ status is confused by presence of undoubted escapees from captivity. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    157674.jpg
  • Goosander Mergus merganser - Adult Male. L 58-66cm. Large, elegant diving duck. Narrow mandibles have serrated edges. In flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white; in female white is restricted to trailing edge. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has bright red bill, green-glossed head (looks dark in poor light), mainly pink-flushed white body and black back. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains white wing pattern. Adult female has reddish bill, orange-red head with shaggy crest, and greyish body palest on breast; chin is white. Juvenile resembles dull adult female. Voice Displaying male utters ringing calls. Status Fairly common freshwater species beside wooded upland rivers; nests in tree holes. Influx from mainland Europe boosts winter numbers; found on reservoirs, lochs and flooded gravel pits.
    157642.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    155739.jpg
  • Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius - Juvenile. L 15-17cm. Slim-bodied little plover that lacks white wingbar. Sexes are similar. Summer adult has sandy brown upperparts and white underparts with black collar and breast band, and black and white markings on head. Has black bill, yellow legs and yellow eyering. Female has duller black elements of head plumage than male. Juvenile has black elements of plumage replaced by sandy brown. Breast band is usually incomplete, leg and eyering colours are dull, and head lacks pale supercilium seen in juvenile Ringed Plover. Voice Utters a pee-oo call. Status Locally fairly common, nesting around margins of flooded gravel pits and other manmade sites. Migrants turn up at freshwater sites outside breeding range and sometimes on coast.
    155571.jpg
  • Pochard - Aythya ferina - Females in flight.  L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    155365.jpg
  • Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula - Male. L 40-47cm. Familiar diving duck. Tufted crown useful in identification. Gregarious in winter. In flight, note white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage; purplish sheen on head seen in good light. Has yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. In eclipse, white elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest on flanks and belly. Has white at base of bill (less than female Scaup), yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with duller colours. Voice Male utters a soft peep. Status Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits.. Several thousand pairs breed; winter numbers boosted dramatically by migrants from mainland Europe.
    154828.jpg
  • Common Pochard Athya ferina - male in flight. L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    154383.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    153961.jpg
  • Goosander Mergus merganser L 58-66cm. Large, elegant diving duck. Narrow mandibles have serrated edges. In flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white; in female white is restricted to trailing edge. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has bright red bill, green-glossed head (looks dark in poor light), mainly pink-flushed white body and black back. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains white wing pattern. Adult female has reddish bill, orange-red head with shaggy crest, and greyish body palest on breast; chin is white. Juvenile resembles dull adult female. Voice Displaying male utters ringing calls. Status Fairly common freshwater species beside wooded upland rivers; nests in tree holes. Influx from mainland Europe boosts winter numbers; found on reservoirs, lochs and flooded gravel pits.
    153965.jpg
  • Goosander Mergus merganser L 58-66cm. Large, elegant diving duck. Narrow mandibles have serrated edges. In flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white; in female white is restricted to trailing edge. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has bright red bill, green-glossed head (looks dark in poor light), mainly pink-flushed white body and black back. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains white wing pattern. Adult female has reddish bill, orange-red head with shaggy crest, and greyish body palest on breast; chin is white. Juvenile resembles dull adult female. Voice Displaying male utters ringing calls. Status Fairly common freshwater species beside wooded upland rivers; nests in tree holes. Influx from mainland Europe boosts winter numbers; found on reservoirs, lochs and flooded gravel pits.
    153966.jpg
  • Goosander Mergus merganser L 58-66cm. Large, elegant diving duck. Narrow mandibles have serrated edges. In flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white; in female white is restricted to trailing edge. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has bright red bill, green-glossed head (looks dark in poor light), mainly pink-flushed white body and black back. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains white wing pattern. Adult female has reddish bill, orange-red head with shaggy crest, and greyish body palest on breast; chin is white. Juvenile resembles dull adult female. Voice Displaying male utters ringing calls. Status Fairly common freshwater species beside wooded upland rivers; nests in tree holes. Influx from mainland Europe boosts winter numbers; found on reservoirs, lochs and flooded gravel pits.
    121531.jpg
  • Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis L 35-43cm. North American species with established feral populations. Tail is regularly cocked up. Male is unmistakable but female could be mistaken for winter plumage Little Grebe. Adult male has orange-chestnut body plumage, white cheeks and stern, black cap and nape, and bright blue bill; colours are brightest in spring. Adult female has grey-brown plumage with paler cheeks and dark line from base of bill; bill is dull blue-grey. Voice Mostly silent. Status Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits with vegetated margins. Escaped from Slimbridge several decades ago, now locally common in lowland Britain.
    124227.jpg
  • Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius L 15-17cm. Slim-bodied little plover that lacks white wingbar. Sexes are similar. Summer adult has sandy brown upperparts and white underparts with black collar and breast band, and black and white markings on head. Has black bill, yellow legs and yellow eyering. Female has duller black elements of head plumage than male. Juvenile has black elements of plumage replaced by sandy brown. Breast band is usually incomplete, leg and eyering colours are dull, and head lacks pale supercilium seen in juvenile Ringed Plover. Voice Utters a pee-oo call. Status Locally fairly common, nesting around margins of flooded gravel pits and other manmade sites. Migrants turn up at freshwater sites outside breeding range and sometimes on coast.
    126844.jpg
  • Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula L 40-47cm. Familiar diving duck. Tufted crown useful in identification. Gregarious in winter. In flight, note white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage; purplish sheen on head seen in good light. Has yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. In eclipse, white elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest on flanks and belly. Has white at base of bill (less than female Scaup), yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with duller colours. Voice Male utters a soft peep. Status Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits.. Several thousand pairs breed; winter numbers boosted dramatically by migrants from mainland Europe.
    127281.jpg
  • Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius L 15-17cm. Slim-bodied little plover that lacks white wingbar. Sexes are similar. Summer adult has sandy brown upperparts and white underparts with black collar and breast band, and black and white markings on head. Has black bill, yellow legs and yellow eyering. Female has duller black elements of head plumage than male. Juvenile has black elements of plumage replaced by sandy brown. Breast band is usually incomplete, leg and eyering colours are dull, and head lacks pale supercilium seen in juvenile Ringed Plover. Voice Utters a pee-oo call. Status Locally fairly common, nesting around margins of flooded gravel pits and other manmade sites. Migrants turn up at freshwater sites outside breeding range and sometimes on coast.
    127320.jpg
  • Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca L 38-42cm. Attractive diving duck. In flight, all birds show striking white wingbar on upperwing, white underwings and white belly. In all birds, cap is peaked and bill is mainly grey; pale band separates grey from dark tip. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has rich, reddish brown plumage, darkest on back, almost black on rump and tail. Has white stern and white belly (latter only visible in flight) and white eye. Adult female is similar to adult male but reddish colouration is duller and eye is dark. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller colours. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce visitor, mainly outside breeding season. Species’ status is confused by presence of undoubted escapees from captivity. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    128859.jpg
  • Goosander Mergus merganser L 58-66cm. Large, elegant diving duck. Narrow mandibles have serrated edges. In flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white; in female white is restricted to trailing edge. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has bright red bill, green-glossed head (looks dark in poor light), mainly pink-flushed white body and black back. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains white wing pattern. Adult female has reddish bill, orange-red head with shaggy crest, and greyish body palest on breast; chin is white. Juvenile resembles dull adult female. Voice Displaying male utters ringing calls. Status Fairly common freshwater species beside wooded upland rivers; nests in tree holes. Influx from mainland Europe boosts winter numbers; found on reservoirs, lochs and flooded gravel pits.
    128862.jpg
  • Pochard Aythya farina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    128869.jpg
  • Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    128871.jpg
  • Pochard Aythya farina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    128870.jpg
  • Smew Mergus albellus L 38-44cm. Elegant little diving duck. Male is stunning and unmistakable. Female might be confused with grebe in winter plumage. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male looks pure white at a distance but close view reveals black patch through eye and black lines on breast and back. In eclipse (not seen here) resembles adult female but retains more extensive white on wing. Adult female, Juvenile and 1st winter birds (so-called ‘Redhead’ Smews) have orange-red cap and nape, white on cheek and throat, and grey-brown body. Voice Silent. Status Occasional and unpredictable winter visitor. Turns up on flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    128889.jpg
  • Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula L 40-47cm. Familiar diving duck. Tufted crown useful in identification. Gregarious in winter. In flight, note white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage; purplish sheen on head seen in good light. Has yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. In eclipse, white elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest on flanks and belly. Has white at base of bill (less than female Scaup), yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with duller colours. Voice Male utters a soft peep. Status Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits.. Several thousand pairs breed; winter numbers boosted dramatically by migrants from mainland Europe.
    133088.jpg
  • Pochard Aythya farina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    133162.jpg
  • Pochard (male) Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    136035.jpg
  • Pochard (female) Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    136036.jpg
  • Ferruginous Duck (male) Aythya nyroca L 38-42cm. Attractive diving duck. In flight, all birds show striking white wingbar on upperwing, white underwings and white belly. In all birds, cap is peaked and bill is mainly grey; pale band separates grey from dark tip. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has rich, reddish brown plumage, darkest on back, almost black on rump and tail. Has white stern and white belly (latter only visible in flight) and white eye. Adult female is similar to adult male but reddish colouration is duller and eye is dark. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller colours. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce visitor, mainly outside breeding season. Species’ status is confused by presence of undoubted escapees from captivity. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    136038.jpg
  • Pochard Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    136073.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    137111.jpg
  • Goosander Mergus merganser L 58-66cm. Large, elegant diving duck. Narrow mandibles have serrated edges. In flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white; in female white is restricted to trailing edge. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has bright red bill, green-glossed head (looks dark in poor light), mainly pink-flushed white body and black back. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains white wing pattern. Adult female has reddish bill, orange-red head with shaggy crest, and greyish body palest on breast; chin is white. Juvenile resembles dull adult female. Voice Displaying male utters ringing calls. Status Fairly common freshwater species beside wooded upland rivers; nests in tree holes. Influx from mainland Europe boosts winter numbers; found on reservoirs, lochs and flooded gravel pits.
    137582.jpg
  • Goosander Mergus merganser L 58-66cm. Large, elegant diving duck. Narrow mandibles have serrated edges. In flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white; in female white is restricted to trailing edge. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has bright red bill, green-glossed head (looks dark in poor light), mainly pink-flushed white body and black back. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains white wing pattern. Adult female has reddish bill, orange-red head with shaggy crest, and greyish body palest on breast; chin is white. Juvenile resembles dull adult female. Voice Displaying male utters ringing calls. Status Fairly common freshwater species beside wooded upland rivers; nests in tree holes. Influx from mainland Europe boosts winter numbers; found on reservoirs, lochs and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius L 15-17cm. Slim-bodied little plover that lacks white wingbar. Sexes are similar. Summer adult has sandy brown upperparts and white underparts with black collar and breast band, and black and white markings on head. Has black bill, yellow legs and yellow eyering. Female has duller black elements of head plumage than male. Juvenile has black elements of plumage replaced by sandy brown. Breast band is usually incomplete, leg and eyering colours are dull, and head lacks pale supercilium seen in juvenile Ringed Plover. Voice Utters a pee-oo call. Status Locally fairly common, nesting around margins of flooded gravel pits and other manmade sites. Migrants turn up at freshwater sites outside breeding range and sometimes on coast.
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  • Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius L 15-17cm. Slim-bodied little plover that lacks white wingbar. Sexes are similar. Summer adult has sandy brown upperparts and white underparts with black collar and breast band, and black and white markings on head. Has black bill, yellow legs and yellow eyering. Female has duller black elements of head plumage than male. Juvenile has black elements of plumage replaced by sandy brown. Breast band is usually incomplete, leg and eyering colours are dull, and head lacks pale supercilium seen in juvenile Ringed Plover. Voice Utters a pee-oo call. Status Locally fairly common, nesting around margins of flooded gravel pits and other manmade sites. Migrants turn up at freshwater sites outside breeding range and sometimes on coast.
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius L 15-17cm. Slim-bodied little plover that lacks white wingbar. Sexes are similar. Summer adult has sandy brown upperparts and white underparts with black collar and breast band, and black and white markings on head. Has black bill, yellow legs and yellow eyering. Female has duller black elements of head plumage than male. Juvenile has black elements of plumage replaced by sandy brown. Breast band is usually incomplete, leg and eyering colours are dull, and head lacks pale supercilium seen in juvenile Ringed Plover. Voice Utters a pee-oo call. Status Locally fairly common, nesting around margins of flooded gravel pits and other manmade sites. Migrants turn up at freshwater sites outside breeding range and sometimes on coast.
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  • Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius L 15-17cm. Slim-bodied little plover that lacks white wingbar. Sexes are similar. Summer adult has sandy brown upperparts and white underparts with black collar and breast band, and black and white markings on head. Has black bill, yellow legs and yellow eyering. Female has duller black elements of head plumage than male. Juvenile has black elements of plumage replaced by sandy brown. Breast band is usually incomplete, leg and eyering colours are dull, and head lacks pale supercilium seen in juvenile Ringed Plover. Voice Utters a pee-oo call. Status Locally fairly common, nesting around margins of flooded gravel pits and other manmade sites. Migrants turn up at freshwater sites outside breeding range and sometimes on coast.
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    143947.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    143946.jpg
  • Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits
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  • Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits
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  • Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits
    145631.jpg
  • Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits
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  • Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits
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  • Pochard Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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  • Pochard Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
    145645.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Goosander Mergus merganser - Adult Male. L 58-66cm. Large, elegant diving duck. Narrow mandibles have serrated edges. In flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white; in female white is restricted to trailing edge. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has bright red bill, green-glossed head (looks dark in poor light), mainly pink-flushed white body and black back. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains white wing pattern. Adult female has reddish bill, orange-red head with shaggy crest, and greyish body palest on breast; chin is white. Juvenile resembles dull adult female. Voice Displaying male utters ringing calls. Status Fairly common freshwater species beside wooded upland rivers; nests in tree holes. Influx from mainland Europe boosts winter numbers; found on reservoirs, lochs and flooded gravel pits.
    155552.jpg
  • Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina - Male. L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
    153959.jpg
  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Goosander Mergus merganser L 58-66cm. Large, elegant diving duck. Narrow mandibles have serrated edges. In flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white; in female white is restricted to trailing edge. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has bright red bill, green-glossed head (looks dark in poor light), mainly pink-flushed white body and black back. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains white wing pattern. Adult female has reddish bill, orange-red head with shaggy crest, and greyish body palest on breast; chin is white. Juvenile resembles dull adult female. Voice Displaying male utters ringing calls. Status Fairly common freshwater species beside wooded upland rivers; nests in tree holes. Influx from mainland Europe boosts winter numbers; found on reservoirs, lochs and flooded gravel pits.
    153964.jpg
  • Goosander Mergus merganser L 58-66cm. Large, elegant diving duck. Narrow mandibles have serrated edges. In flight, upper surface of male’s inner wing is white; in female white is restricted to trailing edge. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has bright red bill, green-glossed head (looks dark in poor light), mainly pink-flushed white body and black back. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains white wing pattern. Adult female has reddish bill, orange-red head with shaggy crest, and greyish body palest on breast; chin is white. Juvenile resembles dull adult female. Voice Displaying male utters ringing calls. Status Fairly common freshwater species beside wooded upland rivers; nests in tree holes. Influx from mainland Europe boosts winter numbers; found on reservoirs, lochs and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca L 38-42cm. Attractive diving duck. In flight, all birds show striking white wingbar on upperwing, white underwings and white belly. In all birds, cap is peaked and bill is mainly grey; pale band separates grey from dark tip. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has rich, reddish brown plumage, darkest on back, almost black on rump and tail. Has white stern and white belly (latter only visible in flight) and white eye. Adult female is similar to adult male but reddish colouration is duller and eye is dark. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller colours. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce visitor, mainly outside breeding season. Species’ status is confused by presence of undoubted escapees from captivity. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Smew Mergus albellus L 38-44cm. Elegant little diving duck. Male is stunning and unmistakable. Female might be confused with grebe in winter plumage. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male looks pure white at a distance but close view reveals black patch through eye and black lines on breast and back. In eclipse (not seen here) resembles adult female but retains more extensive white on wing. Adult female, Juvenile and 1st winter birds (so-called ‘Redhead’ Smews) have orange-red cap and nape, white on cheek and throat, and grey-brown body. Voice Silent. Status Occasional and unpredictable winter visitor. Turns up on flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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  • Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula L 40-47cm. Familiar diving duck. Tufted crown useful in identification. Gregarious in winter. In flight, note white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage; purplish sheen on head seen in good light. Has yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. In eclipse, white elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest on flanks and belly. Has white at base of bill (less than female Scaup), yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with duller colours. Voice Male utters a soft peep. Status Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits.. Several thousand pairs breed; winter numbers boosted dramatically by migrants from mainland Europe.
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  • Pochard (male) Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Goldeneye Bucephala clangula L 42-50cm. Compact diving duck. Both sexes are easily recognised. In flight, all birds show white on inner wings (extent greatest in males). Sexes are dissimilar in other respects. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage. Rounded and peaked, green-glossed head has yellow eye and striking white patch at base of bill. In eclipse, resembles an adult female but retains his more striking white wing pattern. Adult female has mainly grey-brown body, pale neck, dark brown head and yellow eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with dark eye. Voice Displaying male utters squeaky calls and rattles. Status Scarce breeding species, mainly in N. Locally common in winter, mostly on estuaries but also on inland lakes and flooded gravel pits.
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  • Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits
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  • Pochard Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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  • Pochard Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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  • Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula L 40-47cm. Familiar diving duck. Tufted crown useful in identification. Gregarious in winter. In flight, note white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage; purplish sheen on head seen in good light. Has yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. In eclipse, white elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest on flanks and belly. Has white at base of bill (less than female Scaup), yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with duller colours. Voice Male utters a soft peep. Status Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits.. Several thousand pairs breed; winter numbers boosted dramatically by migrants from mainland Europe.
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  • Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina - Male. L 54-57cm. Large, distinctive diving duck; male is unmistakable. Associates with other diving ducks. In flight, both sexes show striking white wing bars. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has rounded, bright orange head, black neck, breast, belly and stern, and white flanks. Back is grey-buff and bill is bright red. In eclipse, resembles adult female but retains red bill. Adult female has mainly grey-buff plumage, darkest on back and above eye, and pale cheeks. Bill is mainly dark with pink tip. Juvenile Resembles adult female but bill is uniformly dark. Voice Mostly silent. Status Occurs in mainland Europe; some records may be genuine vagrants but most sightings are certainly escapees; feral populations are now established. Favours lakes and flooded gravel pits
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  • Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula L 40-47cm. Familiar diving duck. Tufted crown useful in identification. Gregarious in winter. In flight, note white wingbar. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has mainly black and white plumage; purplish sheen on head seen in good light. Has yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. In eclipse, white elements of plumage are buffish brown. Adult female has mainly brown plumage, palest on flanks and belly. Has white at base of bill (less than female Scaup), yellow eye and black-tipped blue-grey bill. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with duller colours. Voice Male utters a soft peep. Status Common year-round on lakes, reservoirs and flooded gravel pits.. Several thousand pairs breed; winter numbers boosted dramatically by migrants from mainland Europe.
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  • Pochard Aythya ferina L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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  • Coot - Fulica atra
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  • Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula - 1st winter female
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  • Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula - male
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  • Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula - 1st winter female
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  • Coot Fulica atra L 36-38cm. Robust waterbird, often found with Moorhen. Has lobed toes. Feeds by upending, making shallow dives or grazing waterside vegetation. Gregarious outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has blackish plumage, darkest on head and neck. Note white bill and frontal shield on head, and beady red eye. Legs are pale yellowish. In flight, shows white trailing edge on otherwise dark, rounded wings. Juvenile has dark greyish brown upperparts and white on throat and front of neck. Voice Utters a loud kwoot call. Status Common resident, found on range of freshwater wetland habitats; numbers boosted in winter by influx of migrants.
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  • Coot Fulica atra L 36-38cm. Robust waterbird, often found with Moorhen. Has lobed toes. Feeds by upending, making shallow dives or grazing waterside vegetation. Gregarious outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has blackish plumage, darkest on head and neck. Note white bill and frontal shield on head, and beady red eye. Legs are pale yellowish. In flight, shows white trailing edge on otherwise dark, rounded wings. Juvenile has dark greyish brown upperparts and white on throat and front of neck. Voice Utters a loud kwoot call. Status Common resident, found on range of freshwater wetland habitats; numbers boosted in winter by influx of migrants.
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  • Water Rail - Rallus aquaticus L 23-28cm. Secretive wetland bird. Distinctive call is heard far more frequently than bird is seen. In profile, note dumpy body, short tail and long bill. Seen head-on, body is laterally compressed. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey underparts, reddish brown upperparts, and black and white barring on flanks. Bill and legs are red. Juvenile is similar to adult but duller. Voice Utters a pig-like squeal and various choking calls. Status Favours reedbeds and marshes; migrants sometimes found on streams and watercress beds.
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  • Baikal Teal - Sibirionetta formosa - Female
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  • Baikal Teal - Sibirionetta formosa - Female
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  • Baikal Teal - Sibirionetta formosa - Male
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  • Coot Fulica atra L 36-38cm. Robust waterbird, often found with Moorhen. Has lobed toes. Feeds by upending, making shallow dives or grazing waterside vegetation. Gregarious outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has blackish plumage, darkest on head and neck. Note white bill and frontal shield on head, and beady red eye. Legs are pale yellowish. In flight, shows white trailing edge on otherwise dark, rounded wings. Juvenile has dark greyish brown upperparts and white on throat and front of neck. Voice Utters a loud kwoot call. Status Common resident, found on range of freshwater wetland habitats; numbers boosted in winter by influx of migrants.
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  • Water Rail Rallus aquaticus L 23-28cm. Secretive wetland bird. Distinctive call is heard far more frequently than bird is seen. In profile, note dumpy body, short tail and long bill. Seen head-on, body is laterally compressed. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey underparts, reddish brown upperparts, and black and white barring on flanks. Bill and legs are red. Juvenile is similar to adult but duller. Voice Utters a pig-like squeal and various choking calls. Status Favours reedbeds and marshes; migrants sometimes found on streams and watercress beds.
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  • Coot Fulica atra L 36-38cm. Robust waterbird, often found with Moorhen. Has lobed toes. Feeds by upending, making shallow dives or grazing waterside vegetation. Gregarious outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has blackish plumage, darkest on head and neck. Note white bill and frontal shield on head, and beady red eye. Legs are pale yellowish. In flight, shows white trailing edge on otherwise dark, rounded wings. Juvenile has dark greyish brown upperparts and white on throat and front of neck. Voice Utters a loud kwoot call. Status Common resident, found on range of freshwater wetland habitats; numbers boosted in winter by influx of migrants.
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  • Coot Fulica atra L 36-38cm. Robust waterbird, often found with Moorhen. Has lobed toes. Feeds by upending, making shallow dives or grazing waterside vegetation. Gregarious outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has blackish plumage, darkest on head and neck. Note white bill and frontal shield on head, and beady red eye. Legs are pale yellowish. In flight, shows white trailing edge on otherwise dark, rounded wings. Juvenile has dark greyish brown upperparts and white on throat and front of neck. Voice Utters a loud kwoot call. Status Common resident, found on range of freshwater wetland habitats; numbers boosted in winter by influx of migrants.
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  • Water Rail Rallus aquaticus L 23-28cm. Secretive wetland bird. Distinctive call is heard far more frequently than bird is seen. In profile, note dumpy body, short tail and long bill. Seen head-on, body is laterally compressed. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey underparts, reddish brown upperparts, and black and white barring on flanks. Bill and legs are red. Juvenile is similar to adult but duller. Voice Utters a pig-like squeal and various choking calls. Status Favours reedbeds and marshes; migrants sometimes found on streams and watercress beds.
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  • Coot Fulica atra L 36-38cm. Robust waterbird, often found with Moorhen. Has lobed toes. Feeds by upending, making shallow dives or grazing waterside vegetation. Gregarious outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has blackish plumage, darkest on head and neck. Note white bill and frontal shield on head, and beady red eye. Legs are pale yellowish. In flight, shows white trailing edge on otherwise dark, rounded wings. Juvenile has dark greyish brown upperparts and white on throat and front of neck. Voice Utters a loud kwoot call. Status Common resident, found on range of freshwater wetland habitats; numbers boosted in winter by influx of migrants.
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  • Water Rail Rallus aquaticus L 23-28cm. Secretive wetland bird. Distinctive call is heard far more frequently than bird is seen. In profile, note dumpy body, short tail and long bill. Seen head-on, body is laterally compressed. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey underparts, reddish brown upperparts, and black and white barring on flanks. Bill and legs are red. Juvenile is similar to adult but duller. Voice Utters a pig-like squeal and various choking calls. Status Favours reedbeds and marshes; migrants sometimes found on streams and watercress beds.
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  • Falcated Teal - Anas falcata
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  • Falcated Teal - Anas falcata
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  • Coot Fulica atra L 36-38cm. Robust waterbird, often found with Moorhen. Has lobed toes. Feeds by upending, making shallow dives or grazing waterside vegetation. Gregarious outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has blackish plumage, darkest on head and neck. Note white bill and frontal shield on head, and beady red eye. Legs are pale yellowish. In flight, shows white trailing edge on otherwise dark, rounded wings. Juvenile has dark greyish brown upperparts and white on throat and front of neck. Voice Utters a loud kwoot call. Status Common resident, found on range of freshwater wetland habitats; numbers boosted in winter by influx of migrants.
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  • Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula - male
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  • Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula - male
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  • Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula - male
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