Avoid processed foods and sugary fruits, and opt for whole grains and leafy green vegetables instead. Small amounts of lean protein can also be given. Goldeneyes feed mainly by diving up to depths of 4 m. They will occasionally dabble and upend in shallow water although this is usually only practised by juveniles. Just offer small portions of food several times a day, and eventually, they should start eating more as they begin to feel better. The female garganey is like the male in eclipse plumage but paler. There is an obvious white spot near the bill. Aflatoxin poisoning - If food with aflatoxins from mold is consumed, severe liver damage and a decrease in egg production can occur.

In eclipse plumage, the male is similar to the female but rustier coloured, and with a dark green cap and eyestripe, and yellow bill. The female has grey-brown to tawny barred and spotted plumage, with a white belly, and plain flanks. The head is grey with a dark smudge behind the eye.

What types of duck are there?

These beautiful birds are native to east Asia but feral populations became established in the UK early in the 20th century. They are now quite widespread and are of course very easily identified, particularly the colourful male. Adds an official mod to let Desktop Goose play in leaf piles! See autumn.txt in the files for more! You’ll often hear wigeons before you see them – the male’s excitable, whistling ‘wee-oo’ call is very distinctive. In flight, they show white patches on the leading edge of the ‘arm’ of the wing, and white bellies. The male has mainly dove-grey and peachy-pink plumage, while the female is a rich chocolate-brown colour.

Shovelers feed by swimming slowly across water, skimming the surface from side to side with its bill. It sometimes submerges its head. They often feed in groups, swimming in circles to churn up the water and bring food to the surface.

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The great thing about bugs is that you can actually raise them yourself and not have to pay for them. You can raise your own mealworms (as we do) right in your own living room. And you can raise your own red worms as well. I can feed it to them and not feel bad because I’m not wasting it. I’m actually saving on their feed bill. The species listed here all visit the UK at some point during the year. Some breed here but some are with us only for the winter months, instead breeding in Scandinavia and even on the Arctic tundra. These birds have a hook at the tip of the bill and lamellae along the edges to help grip fish, they specialise in diving for prey. They’re larger than common pochard but the plumage is similar, with the males sporting a fiery perm! Some wild birds are seen in the UK but it’s likely that all of the breeding birds in the south of England are populations established from escaped collection birds.

Despite their apparently docile nature, mallards are fascinating to observe. Their prenuptials are often quite aggressive and can involve several males chasing and forcing themselves upon a female. These are usually males that have missed out on pairing up the conventional way and instead choose to hang out in bachelor gangs. You will need to throw a handful or two in their area once a week. This will ensure that their food will be digested as it should be.Just slightly smaller than the mallard and the female plumage is confusingly similar. The male plumage may seem plain but look closely at the breast and intricate ‘vermiculations’ can be seen. Some spend the summer with us but many more over winter. Teals feed by upending, dabbling, or grazing. It may also submerge its head completely, and occasionally dives. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The same is true for bumblefoot. In mild cases, you might be able to soak their feet in an Epsom salt bath, but more severe cases will require professional treatment.