Spain's White-Headed Ducks Rebound From Near-Extinction

Spain's white-headed duck population rebounded from 22 birds in the late 1970s to 2,500 today after a national campaign restored wetlands, improved water management, and banned hunting. The species is remarkable for its whisk-broom tail and sky-blue bill, and males perform elaborate courtship displays in spring.

Globally the species remains endangered and continues to decline elsewhere; eastern populations receive little protection, and invasive ruddy ducks pose an ongoing threat.