Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
J23.13.w6, B29, B40, B94, B128.w1, B139
D1, D8.

Other References

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

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Pochards
• Scaups

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:

• New Zealand scaup are sociable, suitable for keeping in groups and in mixed collections - they ignore other species. May be left in mixed collection for breeding. Large water areas are prefered. Abrasive substrates should be avoided. May be fed mixed grain and pellets together with green food - particularly aquatic plants
• Easy to breed. Dense cover near water preferred for nesting, will also utilise medium-length grass and ground level or raised nest boxes and other structures. In New Zealand, laying may begin late September, but is usually later, with nesting completed by the end of January. Laying occurs mainly April to May in the Northern hemisphere; in Australia mainly late spring, but recorded July to March in collections. May lay up to three replacement clutches if the eggs are removed. Eggs and ducklings may be parent, bantam or artificially incubated and reared.
• Duckweed or other fine (or fine-chopped) green food is essential for the ducklings and should may up at least 50% of the diet, with starter crumbs also fed.
• Hybrids reported with Aythya ferina - Common pochard, Aythya nyroca - Ferruginous pochard, Aythya australis - Hardhead.

(J23.13.w6, B29, B94, B139).

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

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Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

New Zealand: North Island (scattered) and South Island (western), up to 1,000metres. Sedentary (B1, B19)

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not globally threatened. Low numbers (5-10,000) but increasing as makes use of hydro-electric reservoirs as new habitat, and due to breed-and-release programme on North Island (B1, B25).

Captive Populations

Trade