Madagascar Pochard

Aythya innotata

Madagascar Pochard (Aythya innotata) — Ducks, Geese & Swans of Africa.

The Madagascar Pochard (Aythya innotata) is a member of the Anatidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 685 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Critically Endangered.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

CR Critically Endangered

Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Anseriformes
Family Anatidae Ducks, Geese, Swans
Genus Aythya
Species innotata

Where it lives

Northwestern Madagascar (nearly extinct and now restricted to single lake in Banemavka area)

Africa

Quick facts

Weight: 685 g
Diet: Aquatic hunters
Family: Anatidae
Order: Anseriformes
Habitat: Wetland, lake & coast

How to identify

Similar birds

Least Concern

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Madagascar Pochard hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Behaviour

A bird of wetlands, it swims and feeds in and around water.

Migration

The Madagascar Pochard is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

The Madagascar Pochard (Aythya innotata) belongs to the Anatidae family of the order Anseriformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF nw Madagascar (nearly extinct and now restricted to single lake in Banemavka area).

It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 685 g, with a wing length of about 18.7 cm and a tail of around 6.3 cm.

It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Critically Endangered is the highest risk category before extinction in the wild.

Its mapped global range covers an estimated 598 km² — a relatively restricted global range.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Madagascar Pochard?

The Madagascar Pochard is a large bird that weighs around 685 g.

Where does the Madagascar Pochard live?

The Madagascar Pochard is found across Africa with a range covering AF nw Madagascar (nearly extinct and now restricted to single lake in Banemavka area), where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.

What family does the Madagascar Pochard belong to?

The Madagascar Pochard (Aythya innotata) belongs to the Anatidae family, in the order Anseriformes.

What does the Madagascar Pochard eat?

The Madagascar Pochard hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Does the Madagascar Pochard migrate?

The Madagascar Pochard is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

Is the Madagascar Pochard endangered?

It is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Critically Endangered is the highest risk category before extinction in the wild.

How large is the Madagascar Pochard's range?

The Madagascar Pochard has a mapped global range of about 598 km².