diving duck

American  

noun

1. any of numerous ducks, common in coastal bays and river mouths, that typically dive from the water's surface for their food (contrasted with dabbling duck).

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diving duck British  

noun

1. any of various ducks, such as the pochard, scaup, redhead, and canvasback, that inhabit bays, estuaries, lakes, etc, and can dive and swim beneath the surface of the water

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Etymology

Origin of diving duck

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

The park is also known for attracting a striking species of diving duck called a redhead.

From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2023

With the help of a volunteer, she scoops a Lesser Scaup — a diving duck with dark wings and gleaming black eyes — from a netted pool where it’s regaining strength and buoyancy.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 15, 2018

Irene went down into the water as cleanly and smoothly as if she had been a diving duck.

From John Gayther's Garden and the Stories Told Therein by Stockton, Frank Richard

You shall see yourself,' said I, 'how much ballast an old Kentuckian can take in without sinking under it: devil a diving duck ever swallowed more water than a Kentucky man can rum.'

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 57, No. 351, January 1845 by Various

"Excellent! my panther on shore, my diving duck in the water!"

From A Struggle for Rome, v. 3 by Dahn, Felix