This is a white headed duck. I only got off one shot where its head was raised. They seemed to be sleeping with their head in their body. This is another bird I photographed on a body of water near the Thames in London.
According to eBird, White-Headed Duck males “have a striking white face and black crown that contrasts with their large blue bill and chestnut body.” They are a diving duck with a long tail. Unfortunately I did not get the whole of it’s tail in one picture.
Personally, I would have named it related to it’s blue bill. Have a great Friday!
Sharon's Iconic Travel Photography Blog 
Looks similar to our Ruddy Ducks!
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I may have thought it could be one if Merlin did not list it as that given the location. I am far from an expert. They did have signs up of possible ducks staying there at least part of the year. That was helpful although not everything I viewed was on those signs.
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Never seen one of them before. Gorgeous!
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It was a first for me! I love the blue beak.
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Never seen before. Thanks for sharing.
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I checked off some never seen before birds off my list when just going to parks etc in London.
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I agree, I love that color blue.
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It is a pretty shade of blue.
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Love the blue bill. Reminiscent of the ruddy duck in some respects. Allan
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If it wasn’t for Merlin and it’s location I may have thought it was that. I am far from an expert.
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Interesting duck! I have seen Ruddy Ducks in Arizona but never with their breeding plumage which features the blue bill.
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I have yet to see a Ruddy Duck in the states. We do not have close access to a great variety in NY. Mostly mallards are visible.
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The only place I saw Ruddy Ducks was in Arizona – I only saw them once. Mallards do seem to be everywhere!
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Almost every body of water you go to in NY.
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Its blue bill is gorgeous. What a beautiful bird. I never saw one of them before, or knew they existed. Thank you.
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I love the blue bill! They are beautiful. It is a whole world out there and there is a lot we have not experienced, including wildlife.
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No question about it. It does depend on where we live or visit. Beautiful bird. Thank you again.
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What an unusual duck. Blue Bill might be a nice name, so of a take on Blue Beard the pirate. Nice image Sharon.
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White and Black are bland colours. To see blue on the bill is a surprise and more noteworthy to me.
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