BIRDS

DUCKS

Mandarin Ducks were introduced into Britain from Asia. The worldwide population is believed to be about 65,000 with a downward trend in recent years. Males have colourful plumage, females are dull by comparison. Mandarins feed on plants, seeds and insects. In their native country China, they were regarded as symbols of fidelity so were given to brides as wedding presents. However, in reality, Mandarins often pair for the mating season and then seek different partners the following autumn. 

Mallard is a type of dabbling duck feeding mainly on the surface rather than by diving. Dabbling ducks have feet centred on their body which makes it easy to walk on land. Males known as 'drakes' have glossy bluish-green heads. Females have brown heads. Both sexes have distinct white-bordered blue patches on their wings which become more noticeable in flight. The patches are known as 'speculum'. Early autumn drakes lose colour when moulting flight feathers to grow replacements. This process is known as the 'eclipse'. Mallards typically live 5-10 years spending time in and out of water. The most common collective nouns used for groups of Ducks and Mallards are 'Flock', 'Herd' and 'Badling'. Mallards eat vegetation, seeds, berries, insects and shellfish.

After hatching Mallard ducklings remain in the nest for at least 10 hours. This time is spent drying out and learning to use their legs. Leaving the nest for the first time they follow the female into the water. This is normally done early in the morning. The sooner the ducklings get into water to feed, the better their odds of survival. They cannot survive without their mother and it takes 50-60 days to fledge and become independent.

Bibbed mallards are the result of selective breeding of domestic Mallards. They are not hybrids because they have been produced from birds of the same species. Other names used to describe these cross breeds include 'Manky mallards' and 'Yuck ducks'.

Gadwall is an infrequent visitor to Hainault Lake. Drakes have grey plumage and a black rear. Females are brown with a black speculum. This species feeds on stems, leaves and seeds.

Shovelers are surface feeding ducks with large spatulate bills. They are winter visitors often seen at Hainault Lake and Fairlop Waters. They trawl for insects and plant material with their bills in the water. Females are mottled brown.

Teal is a small dabbling duck that occasionally visit in winter. This is a male. Females are mottled brown. Both show bright green wing patches in flight. Teals feed on seed and small invertebrates.

Tufted Duck is the commonest type of diving duck found on Hainault Lake. Diving ducks have their legs located towards the back of their bodies. They appear awkward when walking and are better suited for an aquatic lifestyle so are not seen out of the water much. The female has a brown body. Both sexes have distinctive yellow eyes. Their diet consists of vegetation, insects and molluscs.

Pochard dives and searches for molluscs and insects in the mud. After visiting the silt bottom they are sometimes left with mud on their face. They also feed on plants, seeds and small fish. During winter and spring the male has a reddish-brown head, black breast, black tail, and a light grey body. The female is brown with a greyish body and light cheeks. 

Rosy-billed Pochard is not normally seen in Britain and this one spotted at Sheepwater probably escaped from a private collection. This species originates from South America and feeds on seeds, roots, sedges, aquatic plants and grass.

Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck rarely seen on Hainault Lake. Males have black and white bodies. The greenish-black head of the male has a circular white face patch. Females are mottled grey with chocolate brown heads, they are smaller than the males. Both sexes have yellow eyes. This species feeds on mussels, insect larvae, small fish and vegetation.

Goosander is an occasional winter visitor to Hainault Lake. They feed on fish. Unlike most other ducks they are very wary of humans. The drake has a bulbous head and white breast. The female has a brown head.

Muscovy Duck is the only breed of domestic duck not descended from the wild Mallard. They originate from Central and South America. Those seen in Britain have normally escaped from captivity. They feed on vegetation, seeds, insects, worms and fish.

Indian Runner Duck and Pekin Duck are descended from the wild Mallard. Pekin Ducks are friendly white ducks with yellow beaks. They feed grasses, seeds, bugs and worms. Indian Runner Ducks stand erect and instead of waddling they run.