Ferruginous Duck

Aythya nyroca

Beak

—

Feet

—

Crest

No crest

Breeds in Baluchistan, Kashmir and Ladakh; widespread winter visitor. Smallest Aythys duck, with dome-shaped head. Breeding male is unmistakable, with rich chestnut head, neck and breast and white iris. Female is chestnut-brown on head, neck. breast and flanks. and has dark iris. Eclipse male resembles female, but is brighter on head and breast and has white iris. in flight, shows extensive white wing-bar extending farther onto outer primaries than on other Aythya species; and striking white belly (less pronounced in female). Shy and feeds mainly at night; seeks refuge beyond the surf in coastal areas. Freshwater pools and irrigation tanks with extensive submerged vegetation; also coastal lagoons.