©
Nigel Key Pochard
(Slimbridge October 2008)
The Common Pochard, or Pochard, is a medium sized Diving Duck which feed by either diving or dabbling.
They often mix with other diving ducks, such as the Tufted Duck, to which they are known to hybridise.
Although widespread the Pochard is threatened by habitat loss, hunting and indirectly threatened through fishing. They are currently classed as Least Concern.
The Pochard is similar in appearance to the Redhead, but they can be identified by their Red eye rather than the Yellow eye of the latter.
(Compare the two Ducks.)
| Hear the Pochard's Call:- |
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Conservation Status
Size
480mm (19")
Appearance - Male
The male has a long dark Grey bill with a Black tip and a light Grey band in between. It has a Chestnut Brown head and neck, Red eyes, a Black breast, a Grey back, flanks and tail. The legs and feet are Grey/Yellow.
Appearance - Female
The female has a Brown head and body, White belly and a narrower Grey band on the bill.
Habitat
Wetlands, Lakes and Marshlands.
Diet
Aquatic Plants and Insects, Molluscs and small Fish.
Breeding Time
Late April to May.
Nest
The nest is built from vegetation put into natural hollows in the ground.
Eggs
Quantity: 6 to 9
Colour: Greenish Grey.
Eurasian Crane
