NWT Wildlife Spotter Survey

Norfolk is a hot bed for seeing wintering waterfowl. During December, January and February our resident duck numbers are increased by birds choosing to spend the winter here from other parts of the world, making Norfolk a great place to get to grips with identifying many different duck species. Pochard, pintail and wigeon hold a UK conservation status of either red or amber listed. With red listed being globally threatened, having seen a rapid decline in recent years, and amber species being in unfavourable conservation status in Europe.

The answer is definitely yes, if only for the reason that if they are not recorded how do you know they are common? Common species may have interesting distributions or habitat preferences, and in any case they may suddenly become less common. Furthermore, by becoming familiar with common species the less usual become more obvious – and an interest can develop.

The pochard is a diving duck and feeds on plant seeds, waterweed, snails and other aquatic invertebrates below the water's surface. The once-common pochard is now under threat because its populations are declining rapidly. The UK is an important winter destination for this beautiful duck, with 48,000 birds visiting our wetlands and coasts.

How to identify

The pochard is a plump, grey diving duck. The male has a chestnut head and a black chest and rear end. The female is a darker, duller grey-brown.

Did you know?

• As with many duck species, male (or 'drake') pochard moult their colourful feathers when the breeding season is over, and go into 'eclipse' plumage - a mottled grey-brown, just like the female (or 'hen'). This helps to camouflage them from predators.
• Pochard ducks are monogamous and produce 1 brood a season.
• One nest site can be home to two females and can have up to 22 eggs in it.

The pintail is an uncommon dabbling duck, which rarely breeds in the UK and is most likely to be seen during the winter when it can be found with other ducks. Larger numbers gather on selected sheltered estuaries, such as the Wash. Like all dabbling ducks, pintails feed at the surface rather than diving for their food.

How to identify

The pintail is easily distinguished by its long, pointed tail feathers. Males have a chestnut-coloured head, white neck and grey body, while females are mottled brown with smaller, pointed tails. Pintails also have a long, graceful neck.

Did you know?

• The oldest pintail was recorded as living to 27 years of age! Normally, these ducks live for an average of about three years, breeding after a year.
• Pintails will lay up to nine eggs in a concealed nest on the ground, some distance from the water.
• Pintails have earned the nickname ‘greyhound of the air’ due to their slender form and swift flight.

A common dabbling duck, the wigeon is a winter visitor that gathers in large numbers, particularly on wet grasslands, floodplain meadows, flooded gravel pits and reservoirs with gently sloping edges where they can easily get out onto the grassy banks. They can be spotted dabbling in close-knit groups or flying in tight formations over wetlands.

How to identify

The wigeon is a medium-sized duck with a round head and short bill. Males are grey with a pink breast, orange head, yellow forehead and obvious white wing patches that can be seen when they fly. Females are similar to mallard females, but with rusty brown plumage and a pointed tail.

Did you know?

• Like other ducks, wigeon will sometimes mate with other species to produce hybrid young. This includes the closely related American wigeon, but also mallards and gadwalls.
• The species got its scientific name penelope from Greek Mythology, after Odysseus’ wife, was rescued by a duck when she was thrown into the ocean.
• The oldest known Eurasian Wigeon lived to be 35 years and 2 months old.

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