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Common Pochard

Scientific Name: Aythya ferina
Maltese Name: Brajmla
Family: Ducks ( Anatidae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No

Overview:
The Common Pochard is a handsome duck. Males have a distinctive red head, black breast with a grey back. It also has a reddish eye with a pale patch on its dark bill. Females are much paler with brown plumage. To feed it dives from the surface, taking roots and seeds. It is a widespread breeder throughout Eastern Europe where it makes a nest near reeds, laying 8-10 eggs. Some Pochards also winter in Northern Africa. It is known to live up to 10 years.

Status:
Scarce with a few individuals recorded each year and is also occasionally seen in very small flocks offshore.

When to See:
Recorded from October until March.

Where to See:
It prefers open lakes with plenty of reeds. Since this habitat is greatly restricted in the Maltese Islands, Simar Nature Reserve is the only suitable place where to find this bird. Singles usually spend a few hours or days feeding at Simar. Some spend some time at Ghadira Nature Reserve as well.

Photographs:

Male Pochard, Simar Nature Reserve


Female Pochard, Simar Nature Reserve Garganey & Pochard, Simar Nature Reserve


Male Pochard, Simar Nature Reserve


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