The southern pochard is a species of duck, and a member of the genus Netta. There are two subspecies, the South American (southern) pochard N. e. erythrophthalma and the African (southern) pochard N. e. brunnea.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and southern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs on freshwater lakes, reservoirs, slow rivers, marshes, and seasonal pans with ample open water and emergent vegetation. In Africa it ranges widely from South Africa northwards through eastern and southern regions; in South America it is found from central Peru and Bolivia south through Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. It favors eutrophic or mesotrophic waters and readily uses artificial impoundments. Outside breeding, it can form large rafts on open water and may shift locally in response to droughts and water-level changes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The southern pochard is a diving duck found in two disjunct populations: one in sub-Saharan Africa and another in southern South America. Males are noted for their striking red iris, which is especially conspicuous against their dark plumage. They often gather in sizable flocks on large water bodies and make frequent local movements following water levels.
Nyroca brunnea
Temperament
social and gregarious
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms flocks, especially outside the breeding season, sometimes associating with other ducks. Pairs form in the breeding season; nests are placed in dense emergent vegetation near or over water. Clutches are moderate to large, and both adults are attentive during brood-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; males give soft wheezy whistles and grunts during display. Females produce low quacks and growling calls when alarmed or with brood.
Plumage
Mostly uniform dark chocolate-brown to chestnut with a slightly darker head and upperparts; belly often a shade paler. Females are duller and may show subtle mottling and paler cheeks. Bill is bluish-grey with a darker tip, and legs are dark grey.
Diet
Feeds by diving and up-ending, taking a mix of aquatic plant material, seeds, and small invertebrates such as aquatic insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. Diet composition varies seasonally with availability, often shifting toward more animal matter during breeding. It also grazes on submerged vegetation and will forage opportunistically in shallow margins.
Preferred Environment
Forages on open water near beds of reeds or rushes and over submerged weed beds. Frequently uses man-made water bodies, including farm dams and reservoirs, where visibility and aquatic vegetation are suitable.
