Items18The creator’s order
- 1
MallardBritain and North America. The green-headed male is familiar, but the mottled brown female may be the bird you have to work out. Look for the blue wing patch bordered in white when the wing opens. Then watch how the duck feeds, tipping forward in shallow water with its tail in the air.0 - 2
Northern shovelerBritain and North America. Focus on the bill. The broad, flattened tip is useful on the brown female as well as the colorful male. Watch a flock on shallow water and you may see the ducks sweeping that oversized bill across the surface to strain out food.0 - 3
Canada gooseBritain and North America. A white strap runs under the chin and up both sides of the black head. The bird is native to North America and was introduced to Britain, where you can see established flocks. On North American waters, the similar cackling goose generally has a shorter bill and neck.0 - 4
Whooper swanBritain. Look for white swans with long necks and large yellow wedges extending forward on black bills. Whoopers winter on wetlands and may also feed in nearby fields. If a group calls, their loud, trumpetlike notes are another clue.0 - 5
Mute swanBritain and parts of North America. The adult’s orange bill has a black knob at its base, an easier mark to see than the curve of its neck. Mute swans are familiar residents in Britain and were introduced to North America. Look for them on park ponds as well as larger lakes.0 - 6
Brant (goose)Britain and North America. Called the brent goose in Britain, this small, dark goose often winters along coasts. An adult shows a thin white marking on the side of its black neck, much lower than a Canada goose’s bold white cheek patch. The dark-bellied form pictured here winters on British coasts.0 - 7
Northern pintailBritain and North America. Scan winter wetlands for a slim duck with a long, fine neck. The male’s pointed tail makes his silhouette distinctive even at a distance. In good light, look for a narrow white stripe running up each side of his brown neck toward the head.0 - 8
Common goldeneyeBritain and North America. The male’s round white spot between the bill and yellow eye is a good first clue. Watch for his bright white sides when he surfaces. On North American waters, the Barrow’s goldeneye male has a more crescent-shaped white mark.0 - 9
Common merganserBritain and North America. Called the goosander in Britain, this long-bodied duck dives for fish in lakes and rivers. Look for the narrow reddish bill. The female has a rusty head with a ragged crest and a sharp color break where the brown neck meets the pale chest.0 - 10
Eurasian wigeonBritain. Listen for a clear whistle from a flock grazing on short wet grass or resting on open water. The male has a warm chestnut head with a cream stripe down the forehead. The short bill and round head help you recognize the shape even when the colors are hard to see.0
