Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture information:
B7, B29, B30, B40, B94, B96, B97, B129
D1, D8

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Seaducks

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Diving Ducks (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Seaducks are generally winter-hardy and sociable. They are preferably kept on a large area of clean, cold, deep water, at least some of which (preferably half the area) should be more than 60cm and preferably more than1m deep. As with other diving ducks, most species are relatively ungainly on land and ponds should have shallow sloping banks. Some cover along the pond edges will generally be appreciated. Preferred nesting sites vary greatly within this group, from open ground nesting to thick vegetation and tree holes.
• Diets of grain, pellets fish and seafood may be used, also bread. These ducks generally need a higher-protein diet than most waterfowl species and high-protein pelleted diets specifically designed for seaducks are now available, although supplementation with fish may still be important particularly for breeding.
• Feeding in troughs containing stones may avoid the development of overgrown bills. Provision of salt water may decrease the incidence of fungal and other infections.
• Ducklings may be given high-protein starter crumbs and live food, and provided with access to deep water for swimming from an early age.

(B7, B29, B40, B94, B129, D1)

Species-specific information:

• Large area of clean, deep, preferably running water is important, this providing natural food to supplement the diet. Cover should also be provided. Wheat, pellets (e.g. trout pellets) and animal material, such as insectivorous diet has been recommended previously in the absence of specialized diets.
• Difficult to breed (B29); bred "regularly but not commonly (B30). Secluded ground-level and raised nest boxes should be provided. Eggs laid mainly April to May. Ducklings are delicate and easily stressed.

B29, B30, B94, B96, B97)

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme recommended average ring size: L 11.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Eclipse:- similar to female but retain male wing pattern, darker head and sometimes trace of white on cheeks (B3, B25).

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Deserted about time of fledging, or earlier for late broods (B8).

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Iceland, south-western Greenland, Labrador; southern Alaska south to northern California and Wyoming.

Partially migratory: Winters along Alaskan and Canadian Pacific coast, Atlantic coast of north-eastern North America. Icelandic population sedentary, moving only to coast (B1, B8, B19)

Occasionally reported in western Europe (Svalbard, Faeroes, British Isles, France, Poland, Germany, north-western former USSR); probably escaped birds but may sometimes be from Canadian population (B1, B25).

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Population appears stable. (B1)

Captive Populations

Trade