28 March 2021

In early spring male ducks use their heads to put on a show for the ladies. What most impresses their females? For many it’s a toss of the head.

During courtship common goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula) seem to have rubber necks. Click here to see their vigorous head tossing.

Among hooded mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) the head tossing is enhanced by their white hoods? Click here to see.

(photos by Steve Gosser)