White-headed Duck
NameWhite-headed Duck
Common NameWhite-headed Duck
Scientific NameOxyura leucocephala
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)66
Length (cm)45.5
Weight (g)700
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a distinctive white head with a black crown and nape, and a bright, swollen blue bill. Their body is reddish-brown, darker on the back, with a stiff, often erect tail. Females and immatures are duller, with a dark cap, a dark stripe across a whitish cheek, and a greyish bill.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a very quiet species. Vocalizations are mostly soft grunts, hisses, and some bubbling sounds, primarily heard during courtship displays.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeThe White-headed Duck has a fragmented breeding range across the Palearctic, extending from Spain and North Africa east through Central Asia to western China. It winters in warmer regions, including the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
Identifying Featuresbright blue bill (male), white head with black cap (male), stiff, erect tail, diving duck behavior, reddish-brown body (male)
Description
The White-headed Duck is a small, stiff-tailed diving duck. Males are easily identified by their striking white head, black cap, and bright blue bill. They are typically found on freshwater wetlands, where they dive for food.
