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.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Found across lowland wetlands of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, southern Brazil, and occasionally central Chile. It inhabits shallow lakes, marshes, ponds, slow-flowing rivers, and flooded grasslands with abundant emergent vegetation. The species favors freshwater or slightly brackish lagoons and agricultural wetlands. It may shift locally with water levels, concentrating where food and cover are plentiful.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
Despite being classed as a diving duck, the rosy-billed pochard often feeds by dabbling and upending in shallow water. The male’s bright red bill with a prominent basal knob and the broad white wing stripe (the origin of its Guaraní name peposaca, “showy wings”) are standout features. It is hardy and commonly kept in waterfowl collections.
Temperament
social and gregarious
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with strong, direct flight; takes off readily from water
Social Behavior
Forms flocks outside the breeding season, often mixing with other ducks on large wetlands. Breeds in dense emergent vegetation, where the female builds a nest over or near water. Pairs form prior to nesting, and the female incubates while the male guards nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Males give soft whistles and grunts, especially during display, while females produce harsher quacks. Vocalizations are most frequent during courtship and when birds are disturbed at the nest.
Plumage
Male is mostly dark slate-gray to blackish with a glossy green-black head and a broad white wing stripe visible in flight; female is mottled brown with paler underparts and a more subdued pattern.
Diet
Primarily consumes aquatic plants, seeds, tubers, and rhizomes of sedges and pondweeds. Also takes grasses and agricultural grains when available. Supplements diet with small aquatic invertebrates such as insects, snails, and crustaceans.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shallow, vegetated wetlands, along marsh edges, and in flooded grasslands or rice fields. Often dabbles or upends; will occasionally dive for submerged vegetation in deeper spots.
