The pink-headed duck is an probable extinct species of large diving duck that was once found in parts of the Gangetic plains of India, Nepal, parts of Maharashtra, Bangladesh and in the riverine swamps of Myanmar but has been feared extinct since the 1950s. Numerous searches have failed to provide any proof of continued existence. It has been suggested that it may exist in the inaccessible swamp regions of northern Myanmar and some sight reports from that region have led to its status being declared as "Critically Endangered" rather than extinct. The genus placement has been disputed and while some have suggested that it is close to the red-crested pochard, others have placed it in a separate genus of its own. It is unique in the pink colouration of the head combined with a dark body. A prominent wing patch and the long slender neck are features shared with the common Indian spot-billed duck. The eggs have also been held as particularly peculiar in being nearly spherical.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Historically occupied lowland floodplain wetlands, especially oxbow lakes, marshes, jheels, and sluggish backwaters with abundant emergent and floating vegetation. Favored secluded riverine swamps bordered by tall reeds and grasses. Likely used dense cover for nesting and loafing and ventured into open water to feed. Habitat loss, wetland drainage, and hunting pressure are believed to have driven its decline, and any remaining population would persist in remote, inaccessible swamps.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Pink-headed Duck is a probable extinct diving duck once widespread in the Ganges–Brahmaputra floodplains of India and Bangladesh and in riverine swamps of Myanmar. Its taxonomic placement has been debated, sometimes aligned with pochards or placed in its own genus. Males had a unique pale pink head and neck contrasting with a dark body, and the species laid unusually near-spherical eggs. Despite extensive searches, no confirmed sightings have been made since the mid-20th century, so it is treated as Critically Endangered rather than officially extinct.
Male and female as illustrated by Henrik Grönvold
A defective illustration of the head which misses the nuchal crest.
Painting by Bhawani Das, of a living specimen in the collection of Lady Impey, circa 1777. This accurately records the colour of the legs.
The swelling at the base of trachea in the male
An 1847 illustration
Temperament
wary and secretive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically observed singly, in pairs, or small parties rather than large flocks. Likely nested in dense reedbeds over or near water, building concealed nests among emergent vegetation. Breeding presumed to coincide with monsoon rains, and the species is noted for laying unusually near-spherical eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; presumed soft whistles and nasal quacks typical of pochard-like ducks. Females likely produced harsher quacks, while males gave softer wheezy notes during display.
