Taxonomy
Aythya ferina | Common Pochard | Póiseard cíordhearg
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
A significant decline in
wintering populations have been noted in this species, cementing their position
as a Red-List species in the latest BoCCI assessment (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021).
The Pochard was listed as
‘Vulnerable’ on a global scale in the last IUCN Red List assessment in 2016.
Additionally, a decreasing population trend was noted.
Species Biology
Identification
A male Pochard can be identified
by its reddish-brown head that meets a black breast and a whitish-grey body.
The beak is typically black and white and a black tail can be seen.
The females are less conspicuous
than the males and may give trouble when identifying in the field. They are
typically brownish-grey colour with a brown breast.
The Pochard stands at
approximately 46 cm in length with a wingspan of 77 cm and a weight of 930-980
grams.
Diet
The Pochard is an omnivorous
diver but feeds mainly on plant material such as vegetative sections of aquatic
plants and seeds. It will however feed on animal material such as small fish,
molluscs and insects, if available.
Habitat
Suitable wintering habitat
includes shallow, well-vegetated marshes, swamps and lakes as well as slower
flowing rivers with high nutrient levels.
They may be found in estuaries
when migrating.
Reproduction
During the breeding season, the
Pochard lays a clutch of 8-10 eggs, each weighing approximately 66 grams, and
incubate them for a period of 25 days.
The young will fledge after 50-55
days.
A typical wild Pochard will have
a lifespan of three years, with breeding occurring after year one.
Threats faced
It is thought that high levels of
nutrient input, resulting in ‘hyper-trophic’ conditions, are reducing chironomid
larvae numbers and, by extension, negatively impacting the Pochard as these are
among its primary food sources (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021).
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
The Pochard is a rare summer
visitor and is most commonly found during winter months when the small breeding
population is bolstered by visitors.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/pochard/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/pochard/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob1980.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22680358/155473754
References
Publications
Gilbert, G., Stanbury, A. and Lewis, L., 2021. Birds of Conservation
Concern in Ireland 4: 2020-2026. [online] Wicklow. Available at:
<https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds-of-conservation-concern-in-ireland/>
[Accessed 2 Jun. 2021].