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Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina, Pallas, 1773)
Family: Anatidae.
Length: 53 to 57cm Wingspan: 85 to 90cm
The Red-crested Pochard is one of the larger duck species, the males being more colourful than the females (as in most duck species). The male duck is easily distinguishable from the common male Pochard, by the bright ginger head markings and raised-crest, also he has a bright red bill. The female’s head plumage being pale brown, although her beak has a very attractive colouration of its own. Immature males have similar colour plumage as females, but do have a bright red-bill.
Red-crested Pochards are diving ducks and will be seen feeding, either by dabbling, upending or diving for various aquatic vegetation, roots and seeds.
Breeding season: between April and June, 6 to 14 eggs, (cream or pale green in colour). Only the female incubates the eggs for around 27 days. The young will fledge between, 35 to 40 days. The young will stay close to the nest for up to 14 days or more. Sometimes two or more females will share a nesting place, or even the same nest. 1 brood a season.
The female builds the nest on the ground in a small depression, or takes advantage of floating vegetation trapped amongst reedbeds, to make her nest. the nest is made from twigs, leaves, and roots of various vegetation, then lined with feathers, close to lakes, rivers and streams.
The male will bring food to the nest, but only the female feeds them in the early days. Netta rufina are monogamous (1 breeding partner at a time). Breeding takes place mainly in Southern Europe and central Asia, migrating further south in the winter months, to Africa and Southern Asian countries.
They will also be seen amongst flocks of common Pochards and other diving ducks. Once considered rare, it has now has stabilised populations in certain countries.
The Red-crested Pochard is protected by the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds Agreement (AEWA). This agreement applies to over 250 species of water fowl, that desperately need wetlands to be able to survive their migratory seasons, while crossing international borders.
Read MoreFamily: Anatidae.
Length: 53 to 57cm Wingspan: 85 to 90cm
The Red-crested Pochard is one of the larger duck species, the males being more colourful than the females (as in most duck species). The male duck is easily distinguishable from the common male Pochard, by the bright ginger head markings and raised-crest, also he has a bright red bill. The female’s head plumage being pale brown, although her beak has a very attractive colouration of its own. Immature males have similar colour plumage as females, but do have a bright red-bill.
Red-crested Pochards are diving ducks and will be seen feeding, either by dabbling, upending or diving for various aquatic vegetation, roots and seeds.
Breeding season: between April and June, 6 to 14 eggs, (cream or pale green in colour). Only the female incubates the eggs for around 27 days. The young will fledge between, 35 to 40 days. The young will stay close to the nest for up to 14 days or more. Sometimes two or more females will share a nesting place, or even the same nest. 1 brood a season.
The female builds the nest on the ground in a small depression, or takes advantage of floating vegetation trapped amongst reedbeds, to make her nest. the nest is made from twigs, leaves, and roots of various vegetation, then lined with feathers, close to lakes, rivers and streams.
The male will bring food to the nest, but only the female feeds them in the early days. Netta rufina are monogamous (1 breeding partner at a time). Breeding takes place mainly in Southern Europe and central Asia, migrating further south in the winter months, to Africa and Southern Asian countries.
They will also be seen amongst flocks of common Pochards and other diving ducks. Once considered rare, it has now has stabilised populations in certain countries.
The Red-crested Pochard is protected by the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds Agreement (AEWA). This agreement applies to over 250 species of water fowl, that desperately need wetlands to be able to survive their migratory seasons, while crossing international borders.
