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, B31, B40, B94, B96, 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:

• Canvasbacks are winter-hardy, but should have shelter available during prolonged frosts. These ducks should be provided with ample water including a deep diving area, and seclusion with cover such as tall grasses and rushes. They may be fed grain, pellets, green food, grass, bread, extra green food - aquatic plants preferred.
• These ducks are not easy to breed. Cover such as tall grasses and rushes are preferred for breeding, although the ducks will also use ground-level nest boxes and may lay in more open cover. Breeding may start end-March, but more usually at least a month later (B31), April to May (B29).
• This species shows a strong tendency to hybridise with both Aythya spp. and Netta spp.; in particular, they should be kept separate from Aythya ferina - Common pochard and Aythya americana - Redhead during the main courtship period (end of winter). Hybrids have also been reported with Anas platyrhynchos - Mallard and other similar Anas species.

(B29, B31, B94, B96, B97).

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

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Eclipse: duller than breeding plumage, pattern overlaid with brown.

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Sometimes abandoned by female relatively early.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Central Alaska and western Canada south to north-eastern California and Minnesota, USA.

Migrates to coastal (Atlantic and Pacific) lowlands of USA and central America.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Variable population (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade