White-headed duck

Their stiff, upright tail feathers aid them in swimming and diving

Dick Daniels


White-headed duck

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

Their stiff, upright tail feathers aid them in swimming and diving

Population 20,000
61.3% decline over 3 generations

A striking and charismatic bird found primarily in the wetlands and shallow lakes of Eurasia. This species inhabits regions ranging from Spain and North Africa to Central Asia, with significant populations in countries like Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Russia. These ducks favor dense, aquatic vegetation where they can find both food and cover. They are typically found in freshwater environments such as marshes, ponds, and lakes that provide the necessary conditions for their feeding and breeding needs.

One of the most distinctive features of the White-headed duck is its appearance. Adult males exhibit a unique white head with a contrasting black cap and neck, bright blue bill, and chestnut body. During the non-breeding season, the blue bill becomes a more subdued gray. Females and non-breeding males have a more understated appearance, with mottled brown plumage, a darker bill, and less pronounced facial markings. 

White-headed ducks are primarily diving birds, adept at foraging underwater for their food. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, as well as some plant material. They use their strong legs and stiff tails to propel themselves underwater, where they can spend considerable time searching for food. This method of feeding not only helps them obtain a varied diet but also plays a role in controlling invertebrate populations within their habitats.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Afghanistan
2017
Albania
2017
Non-Breeding
Algeria
2017
Breeding
Armenia
2017
Breeding
Austria
2017
Vagrant
Azerbaijan
2017
Belgium
2017
Vagrant
Bosnia And Herz.
2017
Vagrant
Bulgaria
2017
China
2017
Breeding
Croatia
2017
Seasonality Uncertain
Cyprus
2017
Non-Breeding
Denmark
2017
Vagrant
Egypt
2017
Non-Breeding
France
2017
Non-Breeding
Georgia
2017
Germany
2017
Vagrant
Greece
2017
Non-Breeding
Hungary
Official estimate
EX
Extinct locally
India
2017
Non-Breeding
Iran
2017
Iraq
2017
Non-Breeding
Israel
2017
Non-Breeding
Italy
2017
Non-Breeding
Jordan
2017
Kazakhstan
2017
Kyrgyzstan
2017
Libya
2017
Vagrant
Malta
2017
Vagrant
Mongolia
2017
Breeding
Montenegro
2017
Seasonality Uncertain
Morocco
2017
Netherlands
2017
Vagrant
North Macedonia
2017
Origin Uncertain
Pakistan
2017
Non-Breeding
Poland
2017
Vagrant
Portugal
2017
Vagrant
Romania
2017
Russia
2017
Breeding
Saudi Arabia
2017
Non-Breeding
Serbia
2017
Seasonality Uncertain
Slovakia
2017
Vagrant
Slovenia
2017
Vagrant
Spain
2017
Switzerland
2017
Vagrant
Syria
2017
Tajikistan
2017
Passage
Tunisia
2017
Turkmenistan
2017
Turkey
2017
Ukraine
2017
Non-Breeding
Uzbekistan
2017

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No