Pochard

Name: Pochard

Scientific name: Aythya ferina

Category: Birds

Nature Stars: 40

What are nature stars?

About: A common diving duck, the Pochard feeds on plant seeds, water weed, snails and other aquatic invertebrates. Most of our birds come here for the winter, with just a few pairs staying to nest.

How to identify: A grey diving duck, the male has an orangey-brown head and a black chest and rear end. The female is a darker, duller browny-grey.

Where: A rare nesting bird, much more common in the winter when it can be found in large numbers on lakes, reservoirs and gravel pits around the country.

Natural Superpowers

• Predator: 40
• Agility: 30
• Rarity: 30
• Cute factor: 50
• Traveller: 80

Fantastic fact: Male and female Pochards seem to winter in different areas, so it is not uncommon to find large flocks of males with just a handful of female birds.

Photograph credit: Ian Rose