White-headed duck

Scientific name: Oxyura leucocephala

IUCN listed as: Endangered

Learn before you visit!

Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.

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Everyday

Diet

The White-headed Duck primarily feeds on aquatic vegetation, including the seeds, stems, and leaves of water plants. They also consume small aquatic invertebrates, which provide essential proteins. This diet supports their diving behaviour, as they forage underwater. During the breeding season, their diet shifts slightly to include more animal matter to support their higher energy needs. This varied diet helps them adapt to different environments and ensures they receive necessary nutrients year-round.

 

White-headed Ducks eat water plants and small water animals. They dive underwater to find their food. Their diet changes a bit during breeding season to get more energy. This helps them stay healthy all year.

 

Breeding

White-headed Ducks breed in lakes and ponds with dense vegetation. The female lays between 5 to 7 eggs in a nest made of reeds and grasses, usually hidden among thick plants to protect from predators. Incubation lasts about 25 days, and both parents help care for the chicks. The chicks are precocial, meaning they can swim and feed themselves shortly after hatching but still depend on their parents for protection and warmth. This breeding strategy helps ensure the survival of their offspring in the wild.

 

These ducks lay 5 to 7 eggs in nests hidden in thick plants. Both parents take care of the eggs and chicks. The chicks can swim and find food soon after hatching but need their parents to stay safe. This helps more chicks survive.

 

Habitat

The White-headed Duck inhabits large, open freshwater lakes and ponds with dense surrounding vegetation. They are found in parts of Spain, North Africa, and central Asia. These habitats provide ample food and nesting sites, which are crucial for their survival. However, their habitats are increasingly threatened by human activities such as drainage for agriculture and pollution. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring these wetland environments to support the remaining populations.

 

White-headed Ducks live in big lakes and ponds with lots of plants. They are found in places like Spain, North Africa, and central Asia. These homes give them food and places to nest. Protecting these areas is very important for their survival.

 

At the zoo

In zoos, White-headed Ducks are kept in enclosures that mimic their natural aquatic habitats. Their diet is managed to include a mix of aquatic plants and invertebrates, similar to their wild diet. Zoos play a crucial role in the conservation of this species through captive breeding programs and public education. These efforts help raise awareness about the threats facing the White-headed Duck, such as habitat loss and pollution. Breeding programs in zoos are essential for maintaining genetic diversity and increasing population numbers.

 

In zoos, White-headed Ducks live in places that look like their natural homes. They eat plants and small water animals like they do in the wild. Zoos help protect these ducks by breeding them and teaching people about them. This helps keep their numbers up.

 

Behaviour

White-headed Ducks are excellent divers and spend much of their time underwater searching for food. They are relatively shy and prefer to swim away rather than fly when disturbed. These ducks are also known for their unique courtship displays, where males use their brightly coloured bills and vigorous movements to attract females. They are typically quiet birds but may make soft calls during the breeding season. Their behaviour is adapted to a life spent mostly in water, making them well-suited to their aquatic habitats.

These ducks dive underwater to find food and prefer swimming away from danger instead of flying. Males show off to females with colourful bills and movements. They are quiet but make soft calls during breeding season. They are well-suited to life in the water.

Fun facts

  • Excellent Divers: White-headed Ducks are excellent divers, spending much of their time underwater.
  • Unique Courtship Displays: They have unique courtship displays where males use their colourful bills.
  • Shy Nature: These ducks prefer to swim away rather than fly when disturbed.
  • Wide Range: They are found in parts of Spain, North Africa, and central Asia.
  • Endangered Status: They are endangered due to habitat loss and pollution.
  • Great Divers: They are great at diving underwater to find food.
  • Colourful Displays: Males show off with colourful bills to attract females.
  • Prefers Swimming: They swim away from danger instead of flying.
  • Wide Habitat: They live in places like Spain, North Africa, and central Asia.
  • At Risk: They are endangered because their homes are being destroyed.

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