Pochard (Aythya ferina) (Linnaeus, 17580)
Family: Anatidae.
Length: 42 to 49cm. Wingspan: 72 to 82cm. Weight 700 to 1000g
Lifespan 8 to 10 years.
The Common Pochard can be found over most of Europe except for the far northern regions.
Habitat: Marshes, lakes, Ponds, rivers, ditches and reservoirs, preferring lush reed growth, with a metre or more in depth. Which become potential breeding sites, for the Common Pochard. in the temperate European countries,
Nesting consists of, a large base of leaves and down, constructed in reeds, close to the water’s edge.
1 brood from April to July. 8 to 10 eggs are laid.
Large numbers of Pochards, will retreat to the more western and southern areas of Europe, in the winter months; especially the birds arriving from Russia and Scandinavia. Other Pochards will over winter in North Africa, India and southern China.
Pochards often feed more at night, diving from the water’s surface, feeding on the shoots and roots of submerged plants. Will also take small fish and dabble on the waters surface for insects and seeds.
Pochards are gregarious (social) birds, forming large flocks in the winter months, mixing with other diving birds. Pochards will also hybridise (crossbreed) with other breeds of ducks, such as the tufted duck.
Pochard numbers are decreasing in most countries due to their natural habitats being destroyed for human needs. They have also become less common due to overhunting. The Pochard has now become one of the species of birds protected, on the “Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Water bird Agreement” (AEWA)