Ferruginous Pochard (Ferruginous Duck / White-eyed Pochard) – Classification, Habitat, Migration and Conservation Status

Recently, a rare Ferruginous Pochard was spotted among a flock of Common Pochards at Amur Lake in Chennai. This species is seen in limited numbers in India, making such sightings significant for birdwatchers and conservationists.

Scientific Classification

The Ferruginous Pochard (scientific name: Aythya nyroca) is a medium-sized diving duck.
It is also known as:

• Ferruginous Duck
• Common White-eye
• White-eyed Pochard

The male is easily identified by its bright white eye and rich reddish-brown (chestnut) plumage.

Physical Characteristics

• Medium-sized diving duck
• Excellent diver; submerges underwater to catch food
• Males: Deep chestnut body with striking white eye
• Females: Duller brown with less prominent eye color

Habitat

This species prefers shallow freshwater bodies such as:

• Lakes
• Ponds
• Marshes
• Reservoirs

Ideal habitats contain:

• Abundant submerged and floating vegetation
• Dense emergent plants along the margins

Such environments provide food, breeding grounds, and protection.

Distribution

The Ferruginous Pochard is mainly distributed across:

• Europe
• Asia
• North Africa

It is particularly found in countries such as China, Mongolia, Portugal, France, Albania, Austria, Belgium, and Bosnia.

Migration

• Winters in the Mediterranean Basin and the Black Sea region
• Some populations migrate via the Nile Valley to Sub-Saharan Africa
• In India, it is observed in small numbers as a winter migratory bird

Diet:-The Ferruginous Pochard has an omnivorous diet

Threats

The species faces serious threats mainly due to human activities:

• Dam construction
• Wetland drainage
• Pollution
• Encroachment of wetlands
• Poor water management

Destruction and degradation of wetlands are rapidly reducing its breeding habitats.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
• Listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature

This status indicates that if current threats continue, the species may soon qualify as Vulnerable.

Importance in the Indian Context

For the conservation of this species and other migratory birds in India, the following measures are crucial:

• Protection of Ramsar Sites
• Restoration of urban lakes
• Control of water pollution
• Involvement of local communities