A medium sized diving duck. Males look black and white with a greenish black head and a circular white patch in front of the yellow eye. Females are smaller, and are mottled grey with a chocolate brown head. In flight, birds show a large area of white on the inner wing. First nested in Scotland in 1970, and since then birds have been attracted to nest in specially designed boxes put up on trees close to water. In winter, birds from Northern Europe visit the UK.
Key ID Features:
Males in summer have a glossy green head with a bold white spot between the dark triangular beak and a bright yellow eye.
The summer male also has a bright white body with black markings on the back.
Females are mottled grey-brown with a dark brown head and a grey bill with a yellow patch at the tip.
Male courtship ritual includes swimming with head tucked back looking skywards.
Overview
Scientific name: Bucephala clangula
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
In summer, mainly in Highlands of Scotland. Best looked for in winter on lakes, large rivers and sheltered coasts, particularly in north and west Britain.
Seen in UK:
Summer in the Highlands of Scotland for breeding birds; wintering birds arrive from August to December and return north in February and March.
What they eat
Mussels, insect larvae, small fish and plants
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
