ExploreBirds

Red-crested Pochard

Netta rufina

The Red-crested Pochard is a beautiful duck with a bright red head and a fluffy, orange crest. They like to swim in lakes and ponds, and they are great divers, searching for tasty plants underwater.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Red-crested Pochard male has a striking rusty-orange head and bright red bill, contrasting with its black chest, white flanks, and grey back. Females are much duller, with a brownish head, pale cheek patch, and dark bill, making them less conspicuous.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusNetta
Red-crested Pochard
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Red-crested Pochard

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Female Red-crested Pochards sometimes lay eggs in other birds' nests!

Their bright red eyes in males are quite striking!

They build nests hidden in thick reeds near water!

Young ducklings can swim and feed themselves almost immediately!

Special abilities

Ability

Water-tight Feathers

Red-crested Pochard has waterproof feathers that keep them dry and warm even after long swims underwater.

Ability

Acrobatic Airman

Red-crested Pochard can take flight quickly with strong wings, allowing them to escape danger or migrate far distances.

Measurements & details

Length
53-57 cm
Wingspan
85-90 cm
Weight
0.8-1.5 kg
Lifespan
7-10 years
Top Speed
75 km/h
Clutch Size
8-10
Incubation
26-28 days

Diet & Feeding

They mostly eat aquatic plants, seeds, and small water creatures from under the water.

Primary Foods

  • aquatic plants
  • seeds
  • roots
  • aquatic insects
  • molluscs

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Adults and ducklings can be prey.

eaten by

White-tailed Eagle

Haliaeetus albicilla

Large eagles may hunt adult ducks.

eats

Curled Pondweed

Potamogeton crispus

A primary food source: stems and leaves.

eats

Great Pond Snail

Lymnaea stagnalis

They forage for these snails underwater.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch or feed them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Red-crested Pochard?

53-57 cm

What is Red-crested Pochard's wingspan?

85-90 cm

How much does Red-crested Pochard weigh?

0.8-1.5 kg

How long does Red-crested Pochard live?

7-10 years

How fast can Red-crested Pochard move?

75 km/h

What does Red-crested Pochard eat?

They mostly eat aquatic plants, seeds, and small water creatures from under the water.

Where is Red-crested Pochard usually found?

Wetlands

How does Red-crested Pochard hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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