From Opus

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Photo by IanF
Male photgraphed at: Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, Billingham

Oxyura jamaicensis

[edit] Identification

A small diving duck. Compact body with large head and stiff tale give it a very distinctive shape. Male

• Striking blue bill
• White cheeks
• Dark brown head
• Red/brown body

Female

• Dull brown
• Bold, pale cheek patches

Photo by postcardcv
female

[edit] Distribution

Native of North America, introduced to the UK and Europe, where hybridisation with white-headed duck is causing some concern.

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Habitat

Marshes, ponds and lakes

[edit] Behaviour

Dives to feed. Often sinks low in water before diving or even sinks completely to feed without diving. Rarely seen on land as it walks poorly.

[edit] External Links