Psilos Wildfowl Photography |
White headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala) |
This unusual species has a population
that extends throughout southern Europe. Easily identified by its swollen
blue bill the male is the same size as the female. Its body shape makes
it more water dependant than other ducks and it is also one of the few
ducks that moult twice a year. In winter they form large flocks, but
in spring they scatter in small groups in search of suitable breeding
sites. |
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Due to their dependancy on seasonally formed
marshes they breed later than other ducks. Sadly though this dependancy
has made them very vulnerable from wetland drainage and this species
is now one of the rarest ducks in the world. White-headed ducks breed
in shallow fresh or brackish marshes. Created by spring floods these
areas are especially productive, being very rich in aquatic vegetation
and invertebrates. In winter, White-headed Ducks prefer large brackish
or saline lakes. The two photos below show the female. |
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