Baer’s Pochard Bird Details
Aythya baeri
Baer’s Pochard,Baer’s Duck;
Boua Teetar
John Gould, 1852
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Aythya
China, Mongolia, Russia, and Kazakhstan, India (Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and West Bengal), Bangladesh, Japan, and Korea.
Appearance :
Baer’s Pochard is a medium-sized diving duck. The male has a distinctive dark chestnut-brown head, a pale greyish body, and a blackish breast. The female is generally mottled brown with a lighter face and a dark crown. Both sexes have a characteristic pointed bill and a rounded body shape.
Behaviour :
Baer’s Pochard is usually found in small groups or pairs. They are known for their shy and elusive behavior, often diving underwater to escape predators. During the breeding season, they may display courtship behaviors, including head bobbing and synchronized swimming.
Habitat :
This species prefers freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes, particularly those with dense vegetation and aquatic plants. They are typically found in areas with shallow waters.
Diet :
Baer’s Pochard feeds primarily on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. They dive underwater to forage for food, using their bill to sift through sediments.
Conservation Status :
Critically Endangered
Distribution :
Baer’s Pochard is found in parts of East Asia during the breeding season, with migration patterns leading to various wintering grounds in countries such as India, Bangladesh, and other regions of Southeast Asia.
Population Size :
The population size is estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,500 individuals in the wild.
Life Span :
The lifespan of Baer’s Pochard is generally around 10 to 15 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Medium-sized diving duck with a compact body. Males have a striking plumage with a dark chestnut-brown head and grey body, while females are mottled brown.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4.3 to 5.2 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The male has a rounded head with a distinctive dark chestnut color; the female has a lighter, more mottled appearance.
- Eyes: The eyes are medium-sized and typically dark in color.
- Bill: The bill is broad, flattened, and slightly pointed, with a noticeable notch near the tip.
- Bill Length: Approximately 4.2 to 5.0 cm.
Length :
About 36 to 40 cm from beak to tail.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and thick, fitting well with its compact body shape.
Size :
Males are generally larger than females
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is short and pointed, which aids in agile swimming.
- Tail Length: Approximately 6 to 8 cm.
- Feathers: The feathers are waterproof due to oil from the uropygial gland, helping them stay buoyant while swimming. Males have more vibrant colors during the breeding season.
Weight :
Males weigh around 800 to 1,200 grams, while females weigh slightly less, around 600 to 1,000 grams.
Wing :
The wings are relatively long and pointed, suited for fast and agile flight.
Wing Span :
Approximately 75 to 85 cm.
Facial Feature :
Baer’s Pochard has a distinctive facial pattern, with males featuring a lighter face and females having a darker crown with lighter facial markings.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Baer’s Pochard builds its nest close to water, often hidden in dense vegetation, such as reeds or sedges.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is typically made of aquatic plants, grasses, and feathers. It is lined with soft materials to provide insulation for the eggs.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season typically occurs from April to June.
Nesting Season :
Nests are usually constructed in dense vegetation near water bodies, with eggs laid in late spring.
Egg Color :
Eggs are generally pale blue or greenish in color.
Egg Length :
The average length of the eggs is about 4.5 to 5.2 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The average width of the eggs is about 3.2 to 4.0 cm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs approximately 40 to 50 grams.
Clutch Size :
The clutch size ranges from 6 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Baer’s Pochard usually raises one brood per season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts around 25 to 30 days.
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the chicks are precocial, meaning they are relatively mature and able to leave the nest shortly after hatching. he nestling period is about 50 to 60 days
Vocalization :
Their vocalizations include soft quacks and whistles.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are more brightly colored than females, with distinct dark chestnut heads and a greyish body, while females are mottled brown and less conspicuous, aiding in camouflage during nesting.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Baer’s Pochard is a migratory bird, typically moving from breeding grounds in East Asia to wintering grounds in South and Southeast Asia.
- Migration Period: Migration generally occurs in late fall and early spring, with birds leaving their breeding grounds around September and returning around March.
- Migration Route: The migration route often includes passages through countries like Mongolia, China, India, and Southeast Asia, as they travel between breeding and wintering sites.
