Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufina
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Red-crested Pochard is a striking diving duck, with males displaying a vibrant red bill and head, contrasting with a black breast and brown body. Their distinctive rounded, orange-red crest is often raised, enhancing their unique profile.
Females are more subdued in colouration, featuring a uniform brown plumage with pale cheeks and throat. Both sexes have a noticeable white wing patch visible in flight, and juveniles resemble females but with duller plumage.
After breeding, males go into an eclipse plumage, where their plumage becomes less vibrant, similar to females. They do keep their red bill, which is a useful way of telling the sexes apart.
Size
Length
53cm to 57cm
Wingspan
85cm to 100cm
Weight
900g to 1.4kg
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Red-crested Pochards inhabit freshwater lakes, slow-flowing rivers, and coastal lagoons with abundant submerged vegetation. Their range extends across Eurasia, from Spain to Central Asia, with significant populations in countries like Spain, Romania, and Russia.
In winter, many birds migrate to southern Europe, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. In the UK, they are mainly winter visitors, with small breeding populations in southeast England.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Red-crested Pochard. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Red-crested Pochard demonstrates considerable agility, particularly in its aquatic environment. Its ability to dive efficiently to depths of 1-2 metres for up to 30 seconds showcases its nimbleness in water. However, it's not as agile on land, which prevents a higher score.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong compared to larger waterfowl, the Red-crested Pochard possesses adequate strength for its size. Its ability to dive and forage underwater, as well as undertake long migratory flights, indicates a moderate level of muscular power.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows good adaptability, thriving in various freshwater habitats from lakes to coastal lagoons. Its partial migratory behaviour and ability to adjust to different climates (temperate to Mediterranean) demonstrate flexibility. However, its specific dietary needs and habitat requirements limit a higher score.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Red-crested Pochards are generally not aggressive birds. They are gregarious, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season. While males may display competitive behaviour during courtship, overall aggression levels appear low compared to more territorial waterfowl species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Red-crested Pochard exhibits strong endurance, evidenced by its long-distance migratory patterns and diving abilities. Its capacity to dive repeatedly for food and undertake seasonal journeys across Eurasia indicates robust stamina. The lifespan of 10-15 years also suggests good overall endurance.
Diet
Red-crested Pochards primarily feed on aquatic plants, including pondweeds, stoneworts, and algae. They dive to depths of 1-2 meters to forage, using their specialised bills to filter plant matter from the water.
Occasionally, they supplement their diet with small aquatic invertebrates and fish, particularly when stolen from other nearby birds. Tadpoles, dragonfly larvae, crabs, and molluscs are also sometimes eaten but are not a major element of their diet.
Behaviour
Red-crested Pochards are gregarious, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season. They are excellent divers, frequently submerging to forage for aquatic plants.
During courtship, males perform elaborate head-bobbing displays and whistle to attract females.
Vocalisation
Red-crested Pochards are generally quiet outside the breeding season. During courtship, males produce a distinctive, high-pitched whistle, often described as a 'weeeooo' sound. Females make a low, raspy 'krrr' call, particularly when alarmed or communicating with ducklings.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Red-crested Pochards typically begins in April. Males court females with elaborate displays, including head-bobbing and whistling calls. Pairs often form during migration or on wintering grounds.
Females construct nests close to water, hidden in dense vegetation, or frequently reuse abandoned nests by other waterfowl. The nest is a shallow depression lined with down, where they lay 8-12 eggs, which can be pale green or cream-coloured.
Incubation lasts about 26-28 days, carried out solely by the female, who covers the nest with feathers when she takes a brief break to feed. Ducklings are precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching and fledge after 45-50 days.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Red-crested Pochards face threats from habitat loss and degradation of wetlands.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring their breeding and wintering habitats, particularly in Europe and Asia.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them on large, open bodies of water with abundant aquatic vegetation
- Observe their diving behavior as they submerge for longer periods than dabbling ducks
- Listen for the male's distinctive whistling call during breeding season
- In the UK, visit wetland reserves in East Anglia for the best chances of spotting them
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Did You Know?
- The Red-crested Pochard's scientific name, Netta rufina, means 'red-haired duck' in Latin.
- They can dive up to 30 seconds to forage for food.
- In some regions, they are known to hybridise with other duck species.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Netta rufina. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22680348A86012189.
View source - 2 3
report, 2015: Wetlands International
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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