BAER’S POCHARD
Aythya baikalensis
DESCRIPTION
Baer’s Pochard is a medium-sized diving duck known for its striking appearance and unique habitat preferences. It is characterized by its dark plumage and distinctive head shape.
FUN FACTS
- Baer’s Pochard is named after the German zoologist Karl Baer | It is one of the few diving ducks that prefer freshwater habitats | The species is known for its elaborate courtship displays
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Weight600-1,000 g
Average Length40-50 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — often seen in small flocks
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- This species prefers freshwater lakes, marshes, and wetlands with abundant vegetation. It is often found in areas with dense cover for nesting.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Freshwater
- Native Range
- Baer’s Pochard is native to parts of East Asia, particularly in regions around Mongolia, China, and Russia.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- Mongolia, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea
- Diet
- Baer’s Pochard primarily feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and invertebrates. It forages by diving and dabbling in water.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- aquatic plants, seeds, invertebrates
- Social Structure
- group — often seen in small flocks
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 5-30
- Territorial
- 0
VU
600-1,000 g
Weight
40-50 cm
Length
- Coloration
- dark brown with a lighter head and distinctive white markings
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally darker than females
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 6-12
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Baer’s Pochard is currently declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Wild Population Estimate
- less than 10,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to wetland drainage and pollution, as well as hunting pressures.
- Predators
- foxes, birds of prey
- Defense Mechanisms
- Baer’s Pochard relies on its ability to dive and hide among vegetation to evade predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon