Commonly referred to as the Fudge Duck this member of the Pochard family is a medium-sized diving duck from Eurasia. Their breeding habitat is marshes and lakes with a metre or more water depth. These ducks breed in southern and eastern Europe and southern and western Asia. They are somewhat migratory, and winter farther south and into north Africa. Often seen with mixed flocks of Pochard and Tufted Duck.
Key ID Features:
A medium sized duck with rich russet peaked head, neck, breast and flanks, although the female is slightly duller.
Both sexes share a darker back and a conspicuous white undertail patch, which helps to define the species.
A long grey bill ends in black tip on a paler area.
Broad white wing bars, running the entire length of the wing, and a white belly patch can be seen in flight.
The male has a white eye whilst the female's is brown.
Hybridised varieties can be confusing.
Overview
Scientific name: Aythya nyroca
Family: Swans, ducks and geese (Anatidae)
Where to see them:
Often associated with flocks of Tufted Duck and Pochard.
Seen in UK:
Rare visitor in Autumn and Spring.
What they eat
They eat aquatic plants with some molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish, both dabbling and diving for food..
For more information click here
Location: Lydiard Park, Swindon
Photographer: Tim Tapley
