Red-crested pochard

This duck, from the Anatidae family, is a remarkable diver with contrasting colors. Males and females are different. The male has a bright red head with yellow underparts. The neck, breast and belly are black. The white flanks contrast with the dark brown back. A white band crosses the shoulder. The beak is red, the legs orange-red. Females are more discreet: brown head, grayish-white cheeks, brown back, lighter underside. Native to Europe, they live in lakes and ponds. They feed mainly on aquatic plants, and to a lesser extent on invertebrates and small fish.