Pochards are a type of diving duck that belong to the genus Aythya. There are several species of pochards found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. In the UK, the common pochard (Aythya ferina) and the ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca) are considered native breeding birds.
Quick Answer
Yes, two species of pochards – the common pochard and the ferruginous pochard – are native breeding birds in the UK.
Distribution of Pochards
There are 19 recognized species of pochards in the world. They are all diving ducks in the genus Aythya. The genus has a widespread distribution across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America:
- Common pochard – Widespread across Europe and Asia
- Red-crested pochard – Southwestern Europe and southern Africa
- Rosybill – Southern South America
- Ferruginous pochard – Southern Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Baer’s pochard – Eastern Asia
- New Zealand scaup – New Zealand
- Ring-necked duck – North America
- Tufted duck – Northern Eurasia
- Greater scaup – North America, Europe, and Asia
- Lesser scaup – North America
And others found throughout the southern hemisphere and on islands like New Zealand, Madagascar, and the Galapagos.
Pochards Native to the UK
Of these species, two types of pochards are considered native to the United Kingdom:
Common Pochard
The common pochard (Aythya ferina) is found throughout much of Europe and Asia. Its breeding range extends across northern Europe and Asia. In the UK, it can be found breeding throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, primarily in the lowlands. There are estimated to be around 20,000 breeding pairs in the UK.
Ferruginous Pochard
The ferruginous pochard (Aythya nyroca) has a more southern distribution, being found in southern Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia. In the UK, it is primarily found breeding in England, though some breeding pairs have been recorded in Wales and Scotland as well. There are less than 100 breeding pairs estimated to remain in the UK, and the species is listed as globally threatened.
Habitat and Ecology
Pochards mostly breed on freshwater lakes, marshes, and ponds. They build nests on the ground near water, concealed by vegetation. Pochards are omnivorous, feeding mainly by diving for aquatic plants, mollusks, and insects. They will also graze on grasses and herbs along the shoreline.
Here is a table comparing some key aspects of common pochard and ferruginous pochard habitat and ecology:
| Species | Habitat | Diet | Nesting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common pochard | Lakes, ponds, marshes | Aquatic plants, mollusks, insects | Ground nests near water |
| Ferruginous pochard | Shallow freshwater wetlands with dense vegetation | Aquatic plants, some seeds and grasses | Well-concealed ground nests |
Population Trends
Both species of pochards breeding in the UK have experienced population declines. However, the ferruginous pochard has declined more severely.
Common Pochard
Common pochard populations peaked in the 1960s, when there were around 100,000 breeding pairs in the UK. Their numbers crashed in the 1990s, with breeding pairs declining over 60% between 1995 and 2008. They are now on the UK Red List as a bird of high conservation concern. Wetland habitat loss and degradation are likely factors in their decline.
Ferruginous Pochard
This pochard has declined even more precipitously. Since the 1960s, the ferruginous pochard has experienced a 96% decrease in its UK breeding population. From 20 breeding pairs in 1995, the population declined to just two breeding females in 2006. Habitat loss on its breeding and wintering grounds has driven the decline. The species is now globally threatened and faces a high risk of extinction in the UK.
Conservation Status
Due to severe population declines, both species have unfavorable conservation statuses:
Common Pochard
- UK: Red listed as a bird of high conservation concern
- Europe: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
- Global: Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List
Ferruginous Pochard
- UK: Critically Endangered on the UK Red List
- Europe: Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List
- Global: Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List
Conservation efforts are needed to protect remaining wetland habitat and support struggling populations of these pochards in the UK.
Conclusion
In summary, both the common pochard and ferruginous pochard are considered native breeding ducks in the United Kingdom. However, both species have experienced severe population declines due to wetland habitat loss, with the ferruginous pochard especially endangered. Conservation efforts focused on protecting wetlands and managing habitat will be important for securing the future of these native pochard species in the UK.
