Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina

Genus · Dabbling Pochards Family · Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Open waterReed bedsUrban

Look for the male's golden-orange head. In flight, both sexes show a very broad, white wing-stripe that runs the entire length of the wing.

Red-crested Pochard

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan85–92 cm
Weight800–1500 g
Length53–57 cm
Lifespan wild5–15 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeScrape
Clutch size8–12 eggs
Incubation26–28 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationPartial migratory
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Herbivore

🍃Plants
🌻Seeds

Habitat

🛶 Lake wetlands🌊 Marine🌾 Marsh
✦ Fun Fact

Unlike many diving ducks, Red-crested Pochards are mostly vegetarian. They dive to feed on underwater plants rather than fish.

About

A large diving duck that often behaves like a dabbling duck. It lives on large, deep freshwater lakes with plenty of underwater plants. Historically a Mediterranean species, it has expanded north into Central and Western Europe. The male is one of the most handsome ducks in Europe.

Behaviour

Red-crested Pochards are social. They are often found in mixed flocks with other ducks and coots. They primarily dive for aquatic plants. During courtship, the male performs a 'gift-giving' ritual. He dives for a piece of weed and presents it to the female. The male has a hoarse, wheezing whistle.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

Unmistakable with a large, fuzzy bright orange head and a brilliant red bill. He has a black breast, white flanks, and bright red eyes.

♀ Female

A pale sandy-brown duck with a dark cap. She has contrasting pale, almost white cheeks. Her bill is dark with a pinkish tip.

Similar species

Common Pochard
🐦
Common Pochard
Aythya ferina
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