Rosy-billed Pochard
Netta peposaca
The Rosy-billed Pochard (Netta peposaca) is a uncommon ducks, swans, and geese found in 18 countries, weighing about 1000 g. The rosy-billed pochard, alternatively named rosybill or rosybill pochard, is a member of family Anatidae.
About the Rosy-billed Pochard
The rosy-billed pochard, alternatively named rosybill or rosybill pochard, is a member of family Anatidae. Though classified as a diving duck, this pochard feeds more like a dabbling duck feeding on seeds roots, sedges, aquatic plants and other grasses. Netta is Ancient Greek for "duck" and peposaca is a transcription of the Guaraní name of this species which means "showy wings", referring to the broad white stripe that is only visible with stretched out wings. Male characteristic features include a bright red bill with a rounded knob at the base.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Like many other members of family Anatidae, the rosy-billed pochard exhibits significant sexual dimorphism. Males have a purplish-black head, neck and breast with gray sides, a white area on the crissum (the area around the cloaca), and a bright red bill and red eyes. The bill has a large rounded knob, which is bright red, and rest of the bill gradually fades towards a pale pink before ending with a black tip. The rounded knob of the bill increases in size and intensity in colour during the mating season. Voice: Similar to almost all other bird species, rosybills have different calls used for different purposes. The characteristic 'honk' of family Anatidae is obvious in this pochard's vocalization, however it is much deeper as compared to a mallard, for example. Based on limited recordings of vocalizations, it appears as if the vocalization of the rosey-billed pochard is relatively quiet.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in France, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Portugal.
When to see it
The Rosy-billed Pochard can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Rosy-billed Pochard?
- Like many other members of family Anatidae, the rosy-billed pochard exhibits significant sexual dimorphism. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Rosy-billed Pochard?
- The Rosy-billed Pochard is a large sized bird weighing about 1000 g.
- Where can you see a Rosy-billed Pochard?
- The Rosy-billed Pochard occurs in 18 countries, including Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and Bolivia.
- What birds look similar to a Rosy-billed Pochard?
- The Rosy-billed Pochard is most easily confused with the Southern Pochard and the Red-crested Pochard.
- Is the Rosy-billed Pochard endangered?
- The Rosy-billed Pochard is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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