Common Pochard look-alikes

Key differences

Male Red-crested Pochard has a brighter orange head, pinkish-red bill, and a white flank patch contrasting with a black back. It also rides higher in the water due to buoyant feeding. Female Red-crested Pochard has a dark crown, pale cheeks, and a reddish-tipped bill, along with a distinct white wing bar in flight, unlike the uniform grey wing bar of Common Pochard.

Key differences

The Canvasback, found in North America, is larger and has a distinctive long, sloping profile from the forehead to the bill tip. Its bill is entirely black. Male Canvasback has a white body compared to the grey of Common Pochard.

Key differences

Male Ring-necked Duck (North American) has a black back and white flank patch, with a white ring near the tip of its bill. Its head is angular. Female is dark brown with a white patch at the base of the bill, and lacks the Common Pochard's distinctive bill band.

Key differences

Male Tufted Duck is all black with white flanks and a prominent crest, and yellow eyes. Female is dark brown with a smaller crest. Common Pochard lacks a crest, and males have grey flanks and red eyes.