This is a big, colourful duck, bigger than a mallard but smaller than a goose. Both sexes have a dark green head and neck, a chestnut belly stripe and a red bill. Sometimes nest in holes in trees or in the ground.
Key ID Features:
Adults are large, colourful ducks with a slightly goose-like appearance.
Mainly white body with black and russet markings on back and tail and a broad russet chestband.
Dark green neck and head with bright red, knobbed bill.
Bold black wing tips visible in flight.
Overview
Scientific name: Tadorna tadorna
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
Mainly in coastal areas, though they can also be found around inland waters such as reservoirs and gravel workings.
Seen in UK:
Any time of year, but the population swells to more than 81,000 birds during winter.
What they eat
Invertebrates, small shellfish and aquatic snails.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
