European Spoonbill
The spoonbill is a relative of the ibises, a group of long-legged birds with curved bills. Almost as big as a grey heron, the spoonbill feeds on shrimps and other aquatic invertebrates which it catches while sweeping its bizarre, spoon-shaped bill from side to side in the water. Normally only seen in small numbers in Britain at coastal sites in the east and south-west, it mainly breeds in southern Europe and North Africa and as far east as India and China.
Most populations of the European spoonbill are declining, threatened by habitat loss, pollution, human disturbance and egg collection. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with farmers and landowners, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.
Eider
Eider Ducks are relatively large seaducks which nest in colonies around the coasts of northern Britain, as far south as Walney Island in Cumbria. Once hatched, the chicks gather together in a large 'cr
The large wintering numbers of Eider make this species an Amber List bird. To ensure that we keep the populations of these colourful ducks, and others like them, healthy, it is important that our marine environment is managed properly. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Common Scoter
A squat, dark seaduck, the Common Scoter gathers in flocks of several hundred or even thousands in winter, mostly feeding far out to sea. Common Scoters are commonly spotted as a line of dark ducks flying low over the water, or as large rafts of black ducks bobbing on the sea.
The breeding population of Common Scoter has recently declined drastically in the UK making this a Red List species. This decline may be due to a number of factors: wintering populations are vulnerable to oil spills; young birds are vulnerable to predation by Mink, Foxes, Crows and Magpies; and birds are sensitive to the availability of food, competition occurring particularly in areas that are stocked for fishing. The Wildlife Trusts work closely with fishermen, farmers, landowners and developers to ensure that our rare wildlife is protected. You can help this vital work by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Red-breasted Merganser
The Red-breasted Merganser is a medium-sized duck and a member of a group known as the 'sawbills' after their long, narrow bills with saw-like 'teeth' which are good for gripping fish. A long, streamlined bird, the Red-breasted Merganser is perfectly shaped for swimming after fish. Red-breasted Mergansers are gregarious birds, forming flocks of hundreds of birds in winter.
Red-breasted Mergansers are excellent at fishing, but their diet of Salmon and Trout has brought them into conflict with fishermen making a living. The Wildlife Trusts work closely with fishermen, farmers, landowners and developers to ensure that our wildlife is both protected and provides a benefit to local people. Careful habitat management on local nature reserves is one way in which local Trusts are helping to provide areas where birds like the Red-breasted Merganser can thrive and avoid conflict. By volunteering for your local Trust you can help too, and you'll make new friends and learn new skills along the way.
Goosander
The Goosander is a medium-sized duck and a member of a group known as the 'sawbills' after their long, narrow bills with saw-like 'teeth' which are good for gripping fish. A long, streamlined bird, the Goosander is perfectly shaped for swimming after fish. Goosanders are gregarious birds, forming flocks of thousands of birds in some parts of Europe.
Goosanders are excellent at fishing, but their diet, which includes Salmon and Trout, has brought them into conflict with fishermen making a living. The Wildlife Trusts work closely with fishermen, farmers, landowners and developers to ensure that our wildlife is both protected and provides a benefit to local people. Careful habitat management on local nature reserves is one way in which local Trusts are helping to provide areas where birds like the Goosander can thrive and avoid conflict. By volunteering for your local Trust you can help too, and you'll make new friends and learn new skills along the way.
Goldeneye
The male Goldeneye is a handsome diving duck. Apart from a small breeding population in the highlands of Scotland, most Goldeneye only spend the winter in this country, particularly on larger lakes and reservoirs. Goldeneye never really gather in large numbers like other duck species do.
Britain is an important stopover for many wintering migrant species, so it is vital that we protect the places they rely on. But the survival of our waterbirds is threatened by the loss and degradation of many of our wetland habitats. The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.
Tufted Duck
Our commonest diving duck, nesting on flooded gravel pits and lakes and reservoirs, and gathering in large flocks in the winter, often mixed with Pochard and Coot. Tufted Ducks feed on waterweed, plant seeds and aquatic invertebrates.
Even our commonest ducks are under threat from the loss of wetland habitats due to human activity; the Tufted Duck is no exception. The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.
Pochard
A common diving duck, the Pochard feeds on plant seeds, waterweed, snails and other aquatic invertebrates. Most of the birds in Britain come here from northern and eastern Europe for the winter, with just a few pairs staying to nest.
Britain is an important stopover for many wintering migrant species, so it is vital that we protect the places they rely on. But the survival of our waterbirds is threatened by the loss and degradation of many of our wetland habitats. The Wildlife Trusts manage many wetland nature reserves for the benefit of the wildlife they support. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.
Teal
A common but pretty little dabbling duck, Teal gather in large numbers in winter on gravel pits, reservoirs and floodplain meadows. Many of these birds are migrants from the cold climes of the Baltic and Siberia. In summer, Teal breed in small numbers in Britain, mostly in the north.
The large numbers of visiting Teal that frequent the UK make this species an Amber List bird. To ensure that we keep the populations of these colourful ducks, and others like them, healthy, it is important that wetland habitats are managed properly. The Wildlife Trusts are working with other organisations and individuals to create a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats stretching across town and country, allowing wildlife to move about freely and people to enjoy the benefits of nature. Support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.
Wigeon
A common dabbling duck, the Wigeon is a winter visitor that gathers in large numbers, particularly on wet grasslands, flood meadows and flooded gravel pits and reservoirs with gently sloping edges where they can easily get out onto the grassy banks. Wigeon can be spotted in winter dabbling in close-knit groups or flying in tight formations over wetlands.
The large numbers of visiting Wigeon that frequent just a few sites in the UK make this species an Amber List bird. To ensure that we keep the populations of these colourful ducks, and others like them, healthy, it is important that wetland habitats are managed properly. The Wildlife Trusts are working with other organisations and individuals to create a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats stretching across town and country, allowing wildlife to move about freely and people to enjoy the benefits of nature. Support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.
