A typical diving duck of the fresh water; common on lakes and meres, especially in winter when !he local breeding population is increased by migrants from abroad. Water-weeds are their main food.
The nest is usually well concealed in rushes, reeds, long grass or other herbage, and eight to ten eggs are laid. A family of fluffy brown ducklings escorted by their mother, among the lily beds of a mere, is a pretty sight. The ducklings are able to dive at a very early age. The female is much browner than the male (here shown) and her crest is not so long as his.
