British Birds - Ducks 02

Unlike other species of ducks, most drakes reunite with the hens they mated with after the eggs have hatched. Question 3 will ask you what type it is?

British Birds - Ducks 02

The flight of ducks requires fast continuous strokes, requiring in turn strong wing muscles. Three species of steamer duck are almost flightless, however. Many species of duck are temporarily flightless while moulting; they seek out protected habitat with good food supplies during this period. See if you can recognise the following ducks.

Which of these options do you prefer?

  1. What is the name of this bird?

    Photograph courtesy of Rick Leche
    • Group: Ducks, Geese and Swans
    • Binomial: Melanitta nigra
    • Order: Anseriformes
    • Family: Anatidae
    • Status: Resident Breeder And Winter Visitor
    • In 2003 a previously unknown wintering population of 50,000+ was found on Shell Flat in the north west of England.
    • Due to this development, questions have been raised in Parliament.

  2. What is the name of this bird?

    Photograph courtesy of Steve Garvie
    • Group: Ducks, Geese and Swans
    • Binomial: Anas crecca
    • Order: Anseriformes
    • Family: Anatidae
    • Status: Resident Breeder And Winter Visitor
    • In flight, the fast, twisting flocks resemble waders despite their short legs.
    • It is also rather nimble on the ground by ducks' standards.

  3. What is the name of this bird?

    Photograph courtesy of Roland zh
    • Group: Ducks, Geese and Swans
    • Binomial: Aix galericulata
    • Order: Anseriformes
    • Family: Anatidae
    • Status: Resident Introduced Population
    • The male has the most elaborate and ornate plumage.
    • Unlike other species of ducks, most drakes reunite with the hens they mated with after the eggs have hatched.

  4. What is the name of this bird?

    Photograph courtesy of Wolfgang Wander
    • Group: Ducks, Geese and Swans
    • Binomial: Clangula hyemalis
    • Order: Anseriformes
    • Family: Anatidae
    • Status: Winter Visitor And Occasional Breeder
    • Although they usually feed close to the surface, they are capable of diving to depths of 60 m (200 ft).
    • The males are vocal and have a musical yodelling call.

  5. What is the name of this bird?

    Photograph courtesy of Tony Hisgett
    • Group: Ducks, Geese and Swans
    • Binomial: Mergus merganser
    • Order: Anseriformes
    • Family: Anatidae
    • Status: Resident Breeder And Winter Visitor
    • A member of the sawbill family.
    • A largely freshwater bird, the goosander first bred in the UK in 1871.
    • Its love of salmon and trout has brought it into conflict with fishermen.

  6. What is the name of this bird?

    Photograph courtesy of Calibas
    • Group: Ducks, Geese and Swans
    • Binomial: Bucephala clangula
    • Order: Anseriformes
    • Family: Anatidae
    • Status: Resident Breeder And Winter Visitor
    • First nested in Scotland in 1970.
    • Since then birds have been attracted to nest in specially designed boxes.
    • In winter, birds from Northern Europe visit the UK.

  7. What is the name of this bird?

    Photograph courtesy of tgreyfox
    • Group: Ducks, Geese and Swans
    • Binomial: Anas acuta
    • Order: Anseriformes
    • Family: Anatidae
    • Status: Resident Breeder And Winter Visitor
    • Hens make a coarse quack and the drakes a flute-like whistle.
    • Have been called the 'nomads of the skies' due to their wide-ranging migrations.

  8. What is the name of this bird?

    Photograph courtesy of Mdf
    • Group: Ducks, Geese and Swans
    • Binomial: Anas strepera
    • Order: Anseriformes
    • Family: Anatidae
    • Status: Resident Breeder And Winter Visitor
    • It is a quieter duck, except during its courtship display.
    • Visit gravel pits, lakes, reservoirs and coastal wetlands in winter in order to see these birds.

  9. What is the name of this bird?

    Photograph courtesy of Chris huh
    • Group: Ducks, Geese and Swans
    • Binomial: Oxyura jamaicensis
    • Order: Anseriformes
    • Family: Anatidae
    • Status: Introduced Species Currently Subject To An Eradication Programme
    • The female builds her nest out of grass, locating it in tall vegetation to hide it from predators.
    • A typical group of young ranges from 5-15 ducklings.

  10. What is the name of this bird?

    Photograph courtesy of http://blog.pancamo.com/
    • Group: Ducks, Geese and Swans
    • Binomial: Anas clypeata
    • Order: Anseriformes
    • Family: Anatidae
    • Status: Resident Breeder And Winter Visitor
    • Surface feeding ducks.
    • It is not uncommon for a dozen or more males to pursue a single hen.
    • Despite their stout appearance, these birds are nimble fliers.
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