Scientific name: Tadorna tadorna (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bird group: Ducks
Field characters. 58-67 cm. A large, goose-like duck which appears black-and-white at distance. At close range, black of head and neck glossed metallic green, and a conspicuous broad chestnut band round lower breasts. Blackish stripe on belly; vent cinnamon; speculum metallic green; scapulars, primaries and tips of tail-feathers black. Legs red-pink; bill bright red. Male with prominent fleshy knob at base in breeding season. Female duller and without knob at base of bill. Juvenile with dark grey-brown upperparts, head and hindneck, white forehead; chestnut band absent; legs and feet grey, bill pink-grey.
Voice. Generally silent. During the breeding season, female utters a rapid, nasal "ak-ak-ak", or "gagagaga"; male has a variety of melodious whistling notes.
Distribution. Relatively common breeding bird, mainly in north-western Europe. Undertakes moult migration before starting autumn migration to wintering areas. Major moulting areas are the Wadden Sea, Dutch delta area, and south-west England (Bridgwater Bay).
Habitat. Favours rabbit holes in sand dunes for nesting, but also nests on grounds under weeds and reeds, and in artefacts such as deserted buildings, haystacks, holes in trees, etc. Generally attached to brackish or salt water. Outside the breeding season, on open, shallow, saline waters, either inland or marine.
Food. Feeds by wading in shallow water or on wet mud, taking small molluscs, crustaceans, insects (+ larvae), small fish, annelids, and plant material.
Eggs. Unmarked, ground colour creamy white. Texture smooth, slightly glossy. Shape subelliptical. Size 66 x 47 mm (61-71 x 43-40), weight 78 g (66-93).