Scientific name: Aythya fuligula (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bird group: Ducks
Field characters. 40-47 cm. In male pure white flanks and belly contrast boldly with black of rest of plumage; long, black, pendant crest at back of head, but not always obvious at a distance. Female dark brown on upperparts, reddish brown on cheeks and neck; flanks and sides yellow-brown, belly red-brown, and breast dark brown flecked with yellow-brown; crest rudimentary. In winter, female has white belly and white patch around base of bill (but never as large as female Greater Scaup's). Bill slate-blue with black tip, legs grey-blue. Both sexes have broad, white band along entire length of hind wing in flight. Juvenile and male in eclipse resemble female.
Voice. Female produces a harsh, growling "kur-r-r, kur-r-r"; male has a low whistle in the breeding season.
Distribution. Locally common breeding bird which still increases in numbers in the western part of Europe.
Habitat. Frequents open or more enclosed fresh waters of medium size and favours islets for breeding. In winter on inlets, sheltered sea coasts, reservoirs and lakes.
Food. Obtains food mainly from bottom by diving up to 3 m. Diet varies with locality, year, and season. Omnivorous, gregarious, and diurnal, usually preying on molluscs, crustaceans, insects, but plant material may be taken in considerable quantity.
Eggs. Without markings, ground colour green-grey, seldom very light brown. Texture not glossy. Shape subelliptical/long subelliptical. Size 59 x 41 mm (53-66 x 38-46), weight 53 g (46-65) for eggs laid in captivity.