Pochard

Aythya ferina

TQ4792 20/03/2018 ©Raymond Small 

During winter and spring male Pochards have bright reddish-brown heads, black breasts and tail, and a light grey body. The female is brown with a greyish body and light cheeks. Pochards dive and search for molluscs and insects in the mud. After visiting the silt bottom they are sometimes left with mud on their face. They also feed on plants, seeds and small fish.

TQ4792 18/10/2016 ©Raymond Small 

TQ4792 18/10/2016 ©Raymond Small 

TQ4793 05/08/2011 ©Mike Rumble 

The Rosy-billed Pochard is not normally seen in Britain and this one spotted at Sheepwater probably escaped from a private collection. This species originates from South America. It feeds on seeds, roots, sedges, aquatic plants and grass.