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

See Examples For:

diving duck

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

The Gadwall is a surface feeder and not a diving duck.

From British Birds in their Haunts by Rev. C. A. Johns

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 Frank Richard Stockton

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

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