Facts about Common Pochard

1. 09

   A diving duck, the common pochard belongs to the genus Aythya, which it shares with closely related species such as the tufted duck and greater scaup.

   Common PochardJun 8sharetaxonomybiologyclassification
2. 08

   Pairs of common pochards form their bonds on wintering grounds rather than at breeding sites, a unique courtship pattern among dabbling ducks that involves synchronized head-throwing displays.

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3. 07

   Juvenile common pochards display brown plumage with pale eye-rings until reaching sexual maturity at approximately 2 years of age.

   Common PochardMay 14sharebiologydevelopmentplumage
4. 06

   Common pochards migrate between 3,000 and 5,000 kilometers annually, traveling from breeding grounds in Russia and Central Asia to wintering areas across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

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5. 05

   Clutches of common pochards typically contain 8-10 eggs, which are incubated solely by females for approximately 24-25 days before hatching.

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6. 04

   Breeding populations of common pochards have declined by approximately 90 percent across Europe since the 1990s due to habitat loss and water pollution.

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7. 03

   The common pochard can dive to depths of 3-4 meters while foraging for aquatic plants and invertebrates on lake and river bottoms.

   Common PochardMay 14sharebehaviormeasurementfeeding
8. 02

   During winter, common pochards gather in flocks of up to 100,000 individuals on European lakes and coastal waters, making them among the most gregarious duck species.

   Common PochardMay 14sharebehaviormigrationpopulation
9. 01

   Male common pochards display striking chestnut-red heads and bright yellow eyes during breeding season, making them easily distinguishable from females.

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