Family Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anatidae)
Critically Endangered
Madagascar Pochard (Aythya innotata)
Taxonomy
French: Fuligule de Madagascar German: Madagaskarmoorente Spanish: Porrón malgache
Taxonomy:
Nyroca innotata
Salvadori
, 1894,Betsileo, Madagascar
.Descriptive notes
45–56 cm; one male 685 g. Only Aythya in Malagasy region. White on abdomen diffuse towards flanks; male in breeding plumage is dark brown with white underparts... read more
Voice
Likened to A. americana, but no specific details published.
Habitat
Originally freshwater lakes, pools and swamps with areas of open water and many islets of... read more
Food and feeding
Little known; examination of faecal samples and stable isotope analysis suggest adults have a diet consisting almost entirely of insects,... read more
Breeding
Few data available. Season Jul–Jan, with observations of young in Dec. In single pairs; nest is structure made of plant matter, lined... read more
Movements
Presumably sedentary within restricted range, as no records from other areas; some local movements... read more
Status and conservation
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED. Previously considered Endangered. On the brink of extinction, with BirdLife International estimating population at just 20–49 mature... read more
Generally considered to be closest to A. australis, A. baeri and A. nyroca. Monotypic.