Ducks, geese, and swans · Waterfowl
Red-crested Pochard
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Netta rufina
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Voice
Call
Call
How to recognize it
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Larger than a pigeon, with a bulky build
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Spring male: rounded orange head, red bill, black breast
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Female pale brown with a whitish face; summer male similar, but with darker underparts and a browner head
About the species
In breeding plumage, the male Red-crested Pochard has an orange, rounded head, a red bill and black breast, with white flanks against a brown back. The female is mostly pale brown, darker over the crown and back, with a whitish face. In summer, the male’s head becomes browner and his underside stays darker, bringing him closer in appearance to the female.
On the water, it feeds by diving or dabbling, often tipping forward to reach food below the surface. Males give a wheezing "veht" call, while females make rough "vrah-vrah-vrah" calls. They also walk freely on land and gather in large flocks in winter.
It breeds on reed-fringed freshwater lakes and marshes, and in parts of western Europe also turns up on city-park waters. Its food is mostly aquatic plants, gathered at the surface or below. Some populations move south for winter, reaching Africa or the Indian subcontinent.
Where to find
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In Western European city parks and on urban waters, look for red-crested pochards feeding at the surface and diving only occasionally.
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At freshwater lakes edged with reeds and broken by open pools, watch for surface feeding among aquatic plants.
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During the breeding season at reed-fringed lakes, watch for movement in the reeds, where females with chicks keep hidden.
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In winter, scan open water away from shore for flocks; in rough weather, check shallow bays.
