The Pochard is a duck which can often be seen in the same areas as the Tufted duck but in smaller numbers. The Pochard is shy in its behaviour and prefers to stay a good distance away from the water margins. Pochard mainly feed in freshwater most of their food being obtained by diving although they will occasionally "dabble" in the shallows, their chosen feeding locations are usually between 3' and 8' in depth, the main foodstuff is Stonewort but various seeds and animal matter are also eaten. When diving the Pochard uses a jump technique and almost leaves the water surface. The drake has a silvery-white back which separates the black tail and neck areas, the head is chestnut brown. The bill is a greyish blue with black tip and base. The contrast in colour between the black areas and silver areas is conspicuous when viewed from above or below. The legs are dark grey. The female is more brown in colour but also has a dark head.
The Pochard is resident in Britain all year round with the greatest concentrations on the eastern side. The far north of Scotland, south west England and southern Ireland are favoured areas in winter