Pochard (Common Pochard) Aythya ferina

Pochard
Common Pochard
Pochard
The Common Pochard drake in breeding plumage has a vermiculated silver body, black chest, red head/neck and red eyes. His bill is black with a pale blue central patch.
Pochard
Common Pochard
Pochard
The Common Pochard drake is very similar to the American Canvasback (the latter is a little bigger with a more angular head and all black bill) and Redhead (the latter is smaller, rounder with yellow-amber eyes and all blue on base of bill).
Pochard
Pochard
Pochard
Pochards breed in northern and temperate Eurasia. Most migrate to southern and western Europe in winter, but some are resident, including in the UK.
Pochard female
Pochard
Pochard female
As with most ducks, the female Pochard is brown-grey and plainer than the drake, as are the ducklings (below), for camouflage. She has brown eyes.
Pochard
Pochard
Pochard
Centre: Lovely reflection of her head, - so that's where Disney got the idea for Donald duck's eyes.
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Canvas-back
Canvas-back
Canvas-back
Common Pochard hybrid females (not Canvasback); other parent unknown. (Long black angular bill reminiscent of Canvasback.)
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