- Lifespan
- 8–12 years in the wild, occasionally up to 20 years
- Size & Weight
- 50–65 cm, wingspan 80–105 cm; 900–1,200 g
- Habitat
- Freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters throughout the UK.
- UK Distribution
- Resident throughout the UK year-round; populations supplemented by migratory birds from northern Europe in winter.
- Diet
- Omnivorous; dabbles for aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates; also grazes on grasses and takes grain and bread from human sources.
- Prey
- Aquatic invertebrates, small fish, tadpoles, and insect larvae when available
- Predators
- Foxes, mink, pike, and birds of prey including sparrowhawks and occasionally golden eagles; chicks vulnerable to crows, herons, and larger gulls
- Mating Season
- December to June, with peak activity February to April
- Breeding
- Clutch of 8–13 eggs; incubation period 23–26 days; single brood per year; ducklings fledge at 50–60 days
- Behaviour
- Highly gregarious, forming large flocks in winter; males exhibit elaborate courtship displays. Dabbling ducks that tip forward to feed in shallow water rather than diving. Males are highly vocal with soft calls, while females produce the characteristic loud quack.