diving duck

noun

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

diving duck

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of diving duck¹

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

In the Chesapeake Bay alone, some 40 species have been caught in derelict blue crab traps, from rock fish and flounder to diving ducks, Havens said.

From Washington Post

“Puget Sound is a wintering habitat for dozens of species of dabbling ducks, diving ducks, and seabirds, many of which breed in Alaska and the Artic,” Braden notes in her book.

From Seattle Times

In this way, the revival of the gray whales is also helping to rebuild populations of sea birds, including diving ducks and surf scoters.

From Seattle Times

As the trail passes Hidden Lake, you might catch sight of a raft of hooded mergansers — diving ducks whose collapsible black-and-white crest, or “hood,” evokes a goth mohawk.

From New York Times