Editing Common pochard (section)

== Description ==
The common pochard is a plump, medium-sized [[diving duck]], measuring {{convert|42|-|49|cm|abbr=on}} in length, with a wingspan of {{convert|72|-|82|cm|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|The Wildlife Trusts|2021|ref=The Wildlife Trusts}}{{sfn|Kear|2005|p=652}}{{sfn|Cramp|1977|p=561}} It is stocky and short-tailed, with a sloping forehead and relatively long [[Beak|bill]]. Its weight (which has been reported only for winter birds) ranges from {{convert|467|to|1240|g|abbr=on}}. Males average larger and heavier than females.{{sfn|Kear|2005|p=652}} Like most ducks, it is [[sexually dimorphic]].{{sfn|Madge|Burn|1988|p=247}}

The male has a chestnut-coloured head and neck, a black breast and tail, and a pale grey body, marked with fine [[wiktionary|vermiculations]]. His [[Beak|bill]] is dark grey, with a wide blue-grey band across the middle. His [[Iris (anatomy)|iris]] is yellow-orange to red, growing brighter in the breeding season.{{sfn|Cramp|1977|p=561}}

The legs and feet are grey in both sexes and all ages. The female's iris is brown, sometimes tending towards yellowish-brown. The juvenile's iris is yellow-olive, but attains its adult colour during the first winter.{{sfn|Madge|Burn|1988|p=247}}

=== Voice ===
{{Birdsong|url=https://www.xeno-canto.org/species/Aythya-ferina|species=the common pochard|image=Aythya ferina Sandwell 2.jpg}}The male is generally silent, though he may whistle softly as part of his courtship display. The female growls softly—a sound transcribed as ''krrr''—if she is flushed.{{sfn|Madge|Burn|1988|p=247}} The duckling has a short contact call of two to four notes. If distressed, its calls are higher and faster than are those of ''[[Anas]]'' ducklings of the same size and age.{{sfn|Kear|2005|p=652}}

=== Similar species ===
The male common pochard is quite similar to the male canvasback, but the latter has an all-dark bill. It is also similar to the redhead, but the latter has a yellow iris and a greyer back.{{sfn|Kear|2005|p=652}}