Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
B7, B29, B31, 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

• Dabbling Ducks (V.w5)

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.
• N.B. The three Netta species (narrow-billed pochards) are less specialised, and in comparison to the Aythya species (broad-billed pochards) dive much less frequently, spend more time on land and are closer in behaviour to the Dabbling Ducks.
• 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:

• Rosy-billed pochards (Rosybills) are winter-hardy, but may require extra food in winter and shelter should be available in prolonged frost. They should be maintained on large ponds with a reasonable depth for diving. They are sociable and suitable for mixed collections. These ducks may be fed grain and pellets, with duckweed and extra green foods.
• These ducks are easily bred; close ground cover and ground-level nest boxes should be provided for nesting, close to water, with the ducks nesting from mid-May onward (B31); usually April to May (B29). Reliable incubators and rearers, may also be artificially incubated and hand-reared; ducklings easy to rear if given plenty of duckweed and finely-chopped green foods.
• Readily hybridise with Netta rufina - Red-crested pochard with the resultant hybrids fertile; the two species should not be kept in same enclosure. Hybrids have also been reported with other closely-related species, plus some Anas spp., Dendrocygna viduata - White-faced whistling-duck, Aix sponsa - Wood duck and Sarkidornis melanotos - Comb duck .

(B7, B29, B31, B94, B97)

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme suggested average closed ring size: M 12.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Broods sometimes amalgamate.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

From Atacama to Valdivia in central Chile; south-eastern South America from southern Brazil and Paraguay to Rio Negro in south-eastern Argentina.

Southern populations migrate north to lower latitudes, reaching southern Bolivia and Brazil.

Rarely to Tierra del Fuego, vagrant to Falklands.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Numerous.

Captive Populations

Trade