Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
B29, B30, B40, B94, B97, B128.w1
D1, D8

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Pochards

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Diving Ducks (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Pochards are diving ducks which spend most of their time on water, and are ungainly on land. They are generally hardy, sociable and easy to maintain in captivity. They should be kept with deep water available for diving, three to seven feet suggested (B29), or at least half the area 60cm and preferably one metre deep (D1), with shallow sloping banks for easy exit from the water, also islands, good marginal vegetation and loafing areas. Water providing a good supply of natural animal and vegetable food is preferred.
• These ducks may be kept in mixed collections with dabbling ducks, including smaller species such as teal. They should be fed wheat in water, encouraging their natural diving behaviour. Pellets should also be fed. They may breed better if a group rather than single pair kept, as this allows their normal group displaying activity.
• 12x12x14 inch (30x30x35cm) nest box with 5 inch (12.5cm) entrance hole suggested, placed under cover at the edge of the pond (B128.w1).

(B29, B40, B94, B128.w1, D1)

Species-specific information:

• Redheads are winter-hardy; they require space and a large pool for breeding. Grain, pellets and greenfoods are suggested for feeding adults.
• These ducks are fairly easy to breed. They usually lay from April to May, in close cover, open cover or ground-level nest boxes. The ducklings are not difficult to rear but they are highly insectivorous.
• Hybrids have been reported with Aythya spp., Anas spp., Netta rufina - Red-crested pochard, Netta peposaca - Rosy-billed pochard, Lophodytes cucullatus - Hooded merganser and Aix sponsa - Wood duck.

(B29, B30, B94, B97).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme suggested average closed ring size: L 11.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Eclipse:- Plumage mottled brown (B5, B25).

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

N.B. Smaller clutches in years of drought. Commonly lay eggs in nests of other females and also of other species including Aythya valisineria - Canvasback (B8).

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

May be abandoned by three to five weeks old, and certainly by eight weeks old (B3, B8).

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Migrates south to lowland: southern Canada, USA, Mexico, Central America as far as Guatemala, also Greater Antilles, Bahamas. (B1, B19)

Vagrant to Hawaii, Bermuda (B1, B19)

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not globally threatened, although declined during 20^th Century (B1, B8).

Captive Populations

Trade