Habitat:
Freshwater lakes and ponds with dense emergent vegetation

Description:
The white-headed duck is a small diving duck, 40–45 cm long, with males displaying a white head, slate-grey body and bright blue bill, while females have a brownish head and darker bill. It inhabits freshwater lakes and ponds fringed by dense emergent vegetation, diving to feed mainly on aquatic plants and small invertebrates. Shy and solitary, it typically swims away under water when threatened rather than flying.

Recommended lens:
>=300 mm

Photography tips:
Photograph the white-headed duck from a distance using a telephoto lens of ≥300 mm at sunrise or sunset from a concealed hide at the edge of emergent vegetation. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze its dives and a shallow depth of field to isolate the white head and grey body against the background. Remain silent and still to avoid disturbance.