- Lifespan
- 8–10 years in the wild
- Size & Weight
- 32–35 cm, wingspan 50–67 cm; 250–370 g
- Habitat
- Found on freshwater wetlands including lakes, ponds, reed beds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers with dense vegetation.
- UK Distribution
- Widespread throughout England, Wales, and southern Scotland; resident year-round with some northern populations supplemented by continental migrants in winter.
- Diet
- Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, insects, small fish, tadpoles, and invertebrates; often grazes on grass near water.
- Prey
- Small fish, tadpoles, aquatic invertebrates, and insect larvae
- Predators
- Foxes, mink, pike, herons, and occasionally birds of prey such as peregrines and sparrowhawks.
- Mating Season
- March to September
- Breeding
- Clutch size 6–9 eggs; incubation period 19–22 days; typically 2–3 broods per season; chicks fledge at 40–50 days.
- Behaviour
- Highly territorial and vocal, often heard before seen; runs across water on long legs and has a jerky swimming action with nodding head movements. Strong pair bonds form during breeding season; both parents rear young.