RED-CRESTED POCHARD
Netta rufina
DESCRIPTION
The Red-Crested Pochard is a strikingly beautiful duck known for its distinctive red head and crest. Males are particularly colorful, with a contrasting black and white body, while females are more subdued in coloration.
FUN FACTS
- The Red-Crested Pochard is known for its elaborate courtship displays | They can dive to depths of up to 2 meters to forage | Their distinctive call is a series of soft whistles
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
Average Weight0.9-1.2 kg
Average Length50-60 cm
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structurepair, often seen in small groups during migration
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Red-Crested Pochards inhabit freshwater lakes, marshes, and wetlands. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation for nesting and foraging.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Freshwater
- Native Range
- They are native to parts of Europe and Asia, migrating to warmer regions during winter.
- Continent
- Europe, Asia, Africa
- Countries
- Italy, Greece, Turkey, China, Russia
- Diet
- This species primarily feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and some invertebrates. They often forage by diving or dabbling in shallow waters.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- aquatic plants, seeds
- Social Structure
- pair, often seen in small groups during migration
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 2-10
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
0.9-1.2 kg
Weight
50-60 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Males have a reddish-brown head, black breast, and white body; females are mottled brown.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are more colorful than females.
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 8-12
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 50,000-100,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction and pollution. Climate change also impacts their migratory patterns.
- Predators
- Foxes, birds of prey, and larger fish may prey on eggs and ducklings.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on camouflage and quick swimming to evade predators.
- Compatible Animals
- other waterfowl, null
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon