Pochard

Pochard (Fuligula), a genus of diving ducks which are marine during the greater part of the year. One of their distinctive structural features is a membranous lobe on the hind toe. The Common Pochard (F. ferina) is a winter visitor to Britain, and sometimes breeds by the shores of inland meres. The Red-crested Pochard (F. rufina) is a rare wanderer to Britain; so is the Ferruginous (F. nyroca), while the Tufted (F. cristata) and the Scaup (F. marila) are much commoner, and sometimes breed in suitable inland resorts. Nearly allied to F. ferina is an American species (F. americana), and the Canvas-back Duck (q.v.) also belongs to this genus.