pochard
Aythya ferina

Key facts

Compact diving duck often seen in large flocks

Habitat: freshwater, estuaries, lakes and reservoirs

Common and widespread resident

Recognition

Male: Rusty head, grey body with black breast and rear end

Feeds by diving from the surface; feeds occasionally in large flocks

Eats invertebrates and aquatic plants; flight strong and powerful

Lifecycle

Nest is a mound of vegetation at or near waters edge

1 Brood April – June ; 6-11 eggs greenish

pochard
owner