The ferruginous duck, also known as the ferruginous pochard, common white-eye or white-eyed pochard, is a medium-sized diving duck native to the Palearctic. The scientific name is derived from the Ancient Greek word, αἴθυιᾰ, an unknown seabird mentioned by authors including Hesychius and Aristotle, and the Russian word, нырок, the Russian word for pochard, which occurs in the bird's Russian common name.
Region
Palearctic and Western/Central Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from Iberia and North Africa through Eastern Europe and the steppe belt to western China and the Indian Subcontinent. Winters around the Mediterranean, the Middle East, northeastern Africa, and South Asia. Prefers shallow, still or slow-flowing freshwater lakes, marshes, oxbows, and reservoirs with abundant emergent vegetation and sheltered margins. Avoids fast rivers and exposed coastlines, and often selects eutrophic waters with dense reedbeds.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the ferruginous pochard or white‑eyed pochard, this is a medium-sized diving duck of the Palearctic. Males show a striking pale iris that contrasts with their rich chestnut plumage, while females are duller with dark eyes. It favors quiet, vegetated freshwater bodies and is sensitive to wetland drainage and disturbance. Populations have declined in parts of its range due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms small groups, especially outside the breeding season, but is less gregarious than some pochards. Nests singly or in loose colonies among dense emergent vegetation, with a floating or concealed nest. Pair bonds form in late winter to early spring, and the species is largely monogamous for the season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; males give soft whistling notes and thin piping during display. Both sexes can produce low grunts or quacks, especially when alarmed at the nest.
