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, 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
• 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:

• Lesser scaup are easy to manage; breeding is most likely on large lakes.
• These ducks are fairly easy to breed. Nests are well concealed in vegetation on islets (preferred) or shores, eggs usually laid in June (rarely May) (B31); April to May (B29). Hand-rearing under heat lamp suggested.
• Hybridise easily with other Aythya spp., particularly Aythya marila - Greater scaup with which fertile hybrids are produced.

(B29, B30, B31, B94, B97).

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme suggested average closed ring size: J 9.0mm (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Eclipse:- brown-black rather than glossy black, brown colouring over paler areas (B3, B6, B25).

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Often deserted by female before fledging; broods frequently merge (B3, B8).

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

North America, from Alaska south to north-western USA and east to the Great Lakes area (B1, B19).

Migrates to coastal (Atlantic and Pacific) plains of USA, Mississippi valley, Central America and southward to northern Columbia, West Indies, Bermuda, Hawaii (B1, B19).

Vagrant: Ecuador, Surinam , Venezuela, Trinidad in south, Greenland in North (B1, B25).

Very occasionally may reach Britain (B1).

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Not globally threatened: common, abundant (number in millions)(B1, B8).

Captive Populations

Trade