Common Pochard

🔍 Overview

A diving duck, the Pochard is a regular winter visitor to Sussex lakes and gravel pits. Males are handsome with a rusty head and striking grey body.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Medium (42–49 cm)
Plumage: Males: grey with chestnut head; females: brown
Distinctive Marks: Rounded head, red eyes (male)
Bill: Dark with pale band
Tail: Short
Flight: Low, fast over water

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Found on large water bodies such as Widewater and Brooklands in winter.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Mostly quiet; males may give soft whistles in courtship.

🍴 Diet

Feeds by diving for aquatic plants, snails, and insects.

📸 Birding Tip

Use binoculars or a scope in winter. Often seen in mixed flocks with Tufted Ducks or Scaup.