Red-crested Pochard

1 day ago

Spotted

The Red-crested Pochard is a striking diving duck, particularly the male, which boasts a large, round, reddish-orange head with a shaggy crest, a black breast, and white flanks. Females are plainer with a dark cap and pale cheeks. They are often seen in freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers.

Where to spot

Breeds across temperate Europe and Asia. Winters extensively in southern Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. Primarily found on large, open freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers with abundant aquatic vegetation.

How to spot

Look for the male's unmistakable large, reddish-orange head and crest, and the white flanks. Females have distinct pale cheeks and a dark cap. They are diving ducks, often seen submerging for food, and typically float high on the water.

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in resident populations, but migratory birds are best seen during the autumn and winter months (October-March) in their wintering grounds.

Where to spot

How to spot

When to spot

Can be observed year-round in resident populations, but migratory birds are best seen during the autumn and winter months (October-March) in their wintering grounds.