Baer's Pochard

The Baer's pochard (Aythya baeri) is a medium-sized diving duck, with males slightly larger than females. The male boasts a distinctive black head and neck with a unique green gloss, which can appear completely black in poor light. The female, on the other hand, has a dark brown head and neck that blend into a chestnut-brown breast and flanks. Both sexes have wide white speculum feathers, a white vent-side, and dark-grey bills with black nails.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Baer's pochard, look for the green gloss on the male's head, which is not found in other Aythya species. The white flanks are visible when the bird is floating, and the female has a bright chestnut spot at the lore. The male's white or paler yellow eyes contrast with the female's brown eyes. In flight, observe the wide white speculum feathers.

Habitat

Baer's pochard prefers open, slow-flowing lakes, swamps, and ponds with rich aquatic vegetation. During the breeding season, it nests in dense grass, flooded tussock meadows, or flooded shrubby meadows.

Distribution

This species traditionally bred in the Amur and Ussuri basins in Northeast China and the southeastern Russian Far East. It has expanded its breeding range to North and Central China and winters in southern China, Vietnam, Japan, and India.

Behaviour

Baer's pochard is a shy bird that forms large flocks in winter. It is adept at diving and swimming and can take off quickly from the water when disturbed. During migration, it flies in small groups in low-altitude wedge-shaped formations.

Song & Calls

The Baer's pochard is generally quiet but may emit a harsh "graaaak" during courtship. Females may call "kura kura kura," and males may produce a "kuro kuro" sound.

Breeding

The breeding season varies by latitude and environment. The nest is built from sedges, reeds, and other plants, with clutch sizes ranging from 5 to 14 eggs. Males perform sentry duty, while females incubate the eggs.

Similar Species

The Baer's pochard is very similar to the ferruginous duck but can be differentiated by its larger size, longer and more rounded head, and the white flanks visible when floating.

Diet and Feeding

While not much is known about their diet, Baer's pochards are known to feed on aquatic plants, grass seeds, and molluscs.

Conservation Status

The Baer's pochard is critically endangered, with mature individuals possibly numbering less than 1,000. The main threats are hunting and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are underway, including the establishment of a captive population for potential reintroduction.