Common Pochard song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Common Pochard, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

Males have a soft, wheezing 'whooo-oo' or 'whirr-harr' sound, mostly during courtship. It's a rather quiet species for a duck.

Calls

Males give a soft, guttural 'kr-r-r-r' or 'kuck-kuck.' Females have a harsh, grating 'karrr' or 'gharrr' call, especially when disturbed or with young, and a quieter 'gh-gh-gh.'

When they vocalize

Mainly vocal during the breeding season and courtship displays. Less vocal during winter.

Explore the Common Pochard