Netta erythrophthalma brunnea

(Eyton, 1838)

Vernacular names
English : Southern pochard
French : Nette brune

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Anseriformes
Family : Anatidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a total length of 51 cm for a weight of 1 kg. Silvery-grey bill with black tip, dark legs and feet. Male has dark brown plumage with shiny black breast and red eyes. Female is duller brown with white markings on cheeks.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in Africa, from Ethiopia to Angola, south to South Africa. Species also found in South America, only in eastern Brazil. Lives in lakes, rice fields, pools, temporary water areas, up to 3650 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a very large range. African population seems safe and very numerous, South-American population is alarmingly declining.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Ducks, swans and relatives” page