Red-Crested Pochard Vs Pochard: Key Differences Explained

Pochards and Red-Crested Pochards are both members of the Anatidae family and are both diving ducks. However, they have several differences in appearance, behaviour and distribution making it relatively easy to distinguish between these two duck species.

Keep reading to find out more.

Key Takeaways

• Common Pochards are smaller than Red-Crested Pochards
• Common Pochards are winter visitors to the UK whereas Red-Crested Pochards are year round residents
• Both species nest close to water and often use scrape nests however, Red-Crested Pochards sometimes build nests on floating platforms that rise with the water level
• Red-Crested Pochards prefer habitats with large shallow lakes and lots of vegetation
• Common Pochards prefer habitats like slow flowing rivers, lakes and reservoirs

What Is The Difference Between A Red-Crested Pochard And A Pochard?

The term “Pochard” generally refers to the Common Pochard (Aythya ferina), although it can also refer to other species within the Aythya genus, like the Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) and the Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca).

The red-Crested Pochard (Netta rufina) is a distinct species within a different genus (Netta), which separates it from the Common Pochard and related species.

There are several differences between these two diving duck species which include;

Visual Differences

Male Pochards have a chestnut-red head, black breast, black tail and a grey body as well as striking red eyes. Females are duller in colour with brownish-grey tones and paler heads and cheeks.

Red-Crested Pochards are larger than Common Pochards and males have rounded orange heads, a red bill, a black breast and white flanks. Females have a pale brown body, white cheeks and a brown cap.

Differences In Habitat

The Common Pochard is widely distributed across Europe and Asia and is found in a variety of freshwater habitats. They prefer; slow flowing rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

In winter, they migrate to southern parts of Europe, North Africa, and southern Asia.

The Red-Crested Pochard has a more restricted range and is mainly found in Europe and parts of Asia. They prefer larger, shallow lakes with lots of vegetation.

During winter, they migrate to the Mediterranean, the Indian subcontinent and parts of Africa.

Differences In Behaviour

Common Pochards are strong divers and often forage underwater for aquatic plants, seeds and small invertebrates. They are often seen in relatively large flocks.

Common Pochards are winter visitors to the UK and tend to leave our shores in early spring to breed further north.

Red-Crested Pochards are also diving ducks but tend to favour more vegetated areas of lakes or rivers. They tend to feed on aquatic vegetation and can be seen dabbling on the surface more than Common Pochards.

Red-Crested Pochards are year round residents in the UK where there is a self-sustaining population. However, many more fly into the UK each winter to escape from colder weather further north.

Nests & Eggs

The nests and eggs of both these birds share some similarities due to their shared family ties, but there are enough differences to distinguish between the two.

Common Pochards tend to nest in dense vegetation close to water like in; reedbeds, tall grass or marshes. They prefer areas close to freshwater lakes, ponds and slow moving rivers. Their nest is typically concealed in thick vegetation to protect against predators.

Red-Crested Pochards also like to nest close to water, often on floating islands of vegetation or among dense reedbeds. They tend to choose locations with an abundance of aquatic vegetation. They sometimes build their nests on floating platforms made of plant material, which can rise and fall with water levels.

Common Pochard nests are made from shallow depressions scraped in the ground and lined with plant materials like reeds, leaves and grasses topped with down feathers and other soft plant materials.

Red-Crested Pochards also make shallow scrape nests which are lined in a similar way to Common Pochard nests. However, because they sometimes nest on floating platforms, their nests may have a more complex structure to keep them stable on water.

Common Pochard eggs are usually a pale greenish-grey or olive colour. Each egg is around 62 x 44 mm in size and weighs around 66 grams. They usually lay between 7 to 10 eggs per clutch and the eggs are incubated by the female for around 25 to 28 days.

Red-Crested Pochard eggs have a slightly different colour being pale cream or buff coloured often with a slight greenish tinge. Each egg is around 56 x 42 mm in size and 55 grams in weight. They also lay a similar number of eggs per clutch (around 7 to 12) and have a similar incubation period also undertaken solely by the female.

Bird Calls

Male Common Pochards are generally quiet birds, emitting soft whistles during courtship while females produce a low growl-like sound when disturbed.

Just like their relatives the Common Pochard, Red-Crested Pochards  are generally quiet birds. Male Red-Crested Pochards emit a distinctive wheezing “vhet” call whilst the female produces a number of “vrah, vrah, vrah” calls.

Size & Weight

Common Pochards are smaller than Red-Crested Pochards with an average length of around 46 cm and a wingspan of around 77 cm. Adult Common Pochards weigh around 930 grams and can fly at speeds of up to 24 metres per second.

Red-Crested Pochards are larger, having an average overall length of around 53 to 57 cm and a wingspan of around 85 to 90 cm. They can weigh anywhere between 900 to 1,400 grams and can reach speeds of up to 18 metres per second.

Their larger size and weight does affect their flight speed but not by that much considering just how much extra weight they are typically carrying.

SEE ALSO: Oystercatcher Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements

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