Red-crested Pochard Bird Details
Netta rufina
Red-crested Pochard,Red-head Duck, Red-crested Whistling Duck;
Lal Mukh Hans
Pallas, 1773
Anseriformes (DUCKS)
Anatidae
Netta
Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Hungary), Central Asia, North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco), and parts of South Asia, India (Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and some parts of Gujarat, Keoladeo National Park) and Pakistan.
Appearance :
The male Red-crested Pochard is striking, with a bright red bill and an orange head that contrasts with a velvety black breast and pale flanks. The female is more subdued, with a brownish-gray body and a paler face. Both sexes have relatively large, rounded heads.
Behaviour :
Red-crested Pochards are gregarious and often seen in flocks, especially in winter. They are known to be relatively sociable with other waterfowl species, although they can also be territorial during the breeding season.
Habitat :
Found in freshwater lakes, marshes, and slow-flowing rivers with plenty of aquatic vegetation. They prefer larger, deep bodies of water for feeding and roosting.
Diet :
Omnivorous, but primarily feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and some small aquatic animals such as insects and snails. They are known to dive to forage underwater.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Widely distributed across Europe, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are migratory, moving to southern areas in winter.
Population Size :
Estimated global population is around 120,000 to 500,000 individuals.
Life Span :
Typically around 10 to 12 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: A medium to large duck species, males are striking with bright colors, while females have more subdued brown tones.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 40–50 mm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Males have a distinctive rounded orange-red head with a bright red bill. Females have a brownish-gray head.
- Eyes: Dark brown in both sexes.
- Bill: Males have a vibrant red bill, while females have a more muted pinkish-grey bill.
- Bill Length: Around 50–55 mm.
Length :
Approximately 53–57 cm.
Neck :
Relatively short and thick, consistent with other diving ducks.
Size :
Medium to large for a duck, slightly smaller than a Mallard but larger than a Teal.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Short and rounded.
- Tail Length: About 75–90 mm.
- Feathers: Males have a bright orange head, black breast, and pale flanks. Females are more uniform brown, with paler cheeks and underparts. Both have sleek, dense feathers suited for aquatic life.
Weight :
Typically between 900 to 1,500 grams.
Wing :
Broad, rounded wings, typical of diving ducks.
Wing Span :
Around 85–90 cm.
Facial Feature :
Males have a distinctive bright red-orange head, while females have a paler face compared to their darker brown bodies.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Nests are typically built in dense vegetation near water, such as reeds or shrubs.
- Nest Made Up of: Plant material, reeds, grasses, and down feathers.
Breeding Season :
Typically from April to June.
Nesting Season :
Late spring and early summer, generally around May to July.
Egg Color :
Pale greenish to creamy-white.
Egg Length :
Around 55–60 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 40–45 mm.
- Egg Weight: Roughly 45–55 grams.
Clutch Size :
Usually 8 to 12 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Generally one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
Around 25 to 28 days.
Nestling Period :
Ducklings leave the nest shortly after hatching and are capable of swimming within a day.
Vocalization :
Males make soft whistling sounds, while females have a quieter, more guttural quack.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are more colorful, with bright orange heads and red bills, while females are brown and less conspicuous.
Migration Details :
- Migration Pattern: Migratory in colder climates, moving south in the winter to avoid freezing waters.
- Migration Period: Autumn (September to November) for southward migration, and spring (March to May) for return migration.
- Migration Route: European populations migrate to southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of South Asia during the winter. Southward migration typically involves routes from central Europe towards the Mediterranean and parts of Asia.
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