Ferruginous Pochard (Aythya nyroca)

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Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Anseriformes

Family: Anatidae

Subfamily: Aythyinae

Genus: Aythya

Species: A. nyroca

 

Description

The adult male is a rich chestnut color with a darker back and a yellow eye. The pure white undertail helps to distinguish this species from the somewhat similar Tufted Duck. The female is similar but duller, and with a dark eye.

Range and Habitat

Distributed in Europe, Mediterranean countries, Russia, Ukraine, Asia Minor, Central Asia, South Caucasus, Iran, North Africa.

Occurs in low numbers during migrations in the Lake Sevan basin, on fish ponds and wetlands of the Ararat Valley.

Behavior 

It breeds from April or May until late June in single pairs or loose groups. Adults undertake a wing moulting period on the breeding grounds between July and August when large flocks of moulting individuals may gather. Departure from the breeding grounds begins in mid- to late-August and peaks in October, with the species arriving in wintering areas from late October. The return migration to the breeding grounds begins in early March.

 
Diet 

They eat green part of aquatic plants and grass, leaves, stems, roots and seeds. Occasionally aquatic invertebrates and insects amphibians and small fish.

Feeds by diving, upending head-dipping and dabbling also filters mud on shore.

Reproduction 

The species forms monogamous pair bonds of seasonal duration. The nest is usually located on the ground close to water, or above water or on floating rafts of dense reeds and other aquatic vegetation. A single clutch is laid containing 8-11 eggs. Incubation begins from late May to late June in southern Europe, and up to a month later further north. Eggs hatch after 25- 27 days.

Conservation status

Listed in the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened species.

 

 

 

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