Common Pochard Bird Details
Aythya ferina
Common Pochard,Red-headed Pochard, Pochard, European Pochard;
Lalsir Batakh
Linnaeus, 1758
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Aythya
- Europe and Asia
- India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.)
Appearance :
Medium-sized diving duck, males have a chestnut-red head, black chest, grey body, and black tail. Females are brownish-grey overall with a pale face and darker brown head.
Behaviour :
Generally gregarious, they form large flocks during the winter. They can be seen in mixed groups with other diving ducks, particularly in wetlands and lakes.
Habitat :
Prefers freshwater lakes, reservoirs, slow-flowing rivers, and marshes. They can also be found in coastal areas in winter.
Diet :
Feeds mainly on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans, and insect larvae.
Conservation Status :
Vulnerable
Distribution :
Widely distributed across Europe and Asia, migrates to North Africa and parts of the Middle East during winter.
Population Size :
Estimated at several hundred thousand, though declining.
Life Span :
Around 10 to 15 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
Tarsus Length: About 3.5 to 4 cm
Head And Bill :
- Head: Rounded head, with a steep forehead. Males have a reddish-brown head, females more subdued in brown tones.
- Eyes: Males have red eyes, while females have brownish eyes.
- Bill: Blue-grey with a black tip.
- Bill Length: Approximately 4 cm.
Length :
Ranges from 42 to 49 cm.
Neck :
Short neck, blending into the rounded head.
Size :
Medium-sized diving duck
Tail Details :
- Tail: Relatively short compared to the body.
- Tail Length: Approximately 6 to 7 cm,
- Feathers: Smooth, with males showing black tail feathers, while females have dark brown tail feathers.
Weight :
700 to 1,200 grams
Wing :
Broad and pointed, adapted for fast and powerful flight.
Wing Span :
Ranges from 72 to 82 cm.
Facial Feature :
The male has distinctive red eyes and a chestnut-red head, while the female has a less vibrant brown head. Both have a blue-grey bill with a black tip.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Built near water, usually in dense vegetation.
- Nest made up of: Grass, reeds, and other plant material, often lined with down from the female.
Breeding Season :
From late spring to early summer (April to July).
Nesting Season :
Usually during the warmer months when food is abundant.
Egg Color :
Pale greenish or buff.
Egg Length :
About 6.4 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 4.5 cm.
- Egg Weight: Around 65 to 75 grams.
Clutch Size :
6 to 10 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Typically one brood per season.
Incubation Period :
25 to 28 days, performed by the female.
Nestling Period :
50 to 55 days before fledging.
Vocalization :
Generally quiet, but during breeding, males produce soft whistles and growls. Females have a low quacking sound, particularly when alarmed.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are more colorful, with a striking reddish head and greyish body. Females are more muted in shades of brown and grey
Migration Details :
- Migration Period: Migrates south for the winter, typically from October to March.
- Migration Route: European and Asian populations migrate to southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, during winter.