Pink-headed Duck

Rhodonessa caryophyllacea

Identification

The Pink-headed Duck (Netta caryophyllacea) is (or was) a large diving duck. The 60 cm long Pink-headed Duck is unmistakable. It is long-bodied and long-necked, with a slightly tufted head in the male, and a peculiar, stiff-necked posture. The adult male has a chocolate-coloured body and a deep pink head and hindneck. The female and juvenile are duller, appearing much like a dark female Red-crested Pochard with a pinkish tinge to the head. Confusion with male Red-crested Pochards stems mainly from observations of swimming birds, as the latter species also has a conspicuous red head (although the color is actually very different from the Pink-headed Duck). Spot-billed Ducks, on the other hand, look similar to female Pink-headed Ducks when in flight and seen from a distance, and if seen from behind, they could be mistaken for males too. The upper side of the wing is distinguishing, with dark green secondaries (speculum) and prominent white tertiaries in the Spot-billed Duck and a pinkish-beige speculum, much lighter than its surroundings, in the Pink-headed Duck. If the upper part of the wings cannot be reliably seen, they are all but indistinguishable except for expert observers in good visibility conditions.

Taxonomy

It was formerly classified as Rhodonessa caryophyllacea, but has recently been shown by phylogenetic analysis to be closely related to the Red-crested Pochard, Netta rufina, and has therefore now been transferred to the same genus. However, this has been questioned due to numerous peculiarities that set the Pink-headed Duck apart from other ducks.

Habitat

Its breeding habitat is lowland marshes and pools in tall-grass jungle.

Behaviour

The nest is built amongst grass. They are gregarious birds, and form flocks of 30 or more. Pink-headed Ducks eat aquatic plants, and, like Netta species, typically up-end for food much more than other diving ducks.