Pink-headed Duck
The Pink-headed Duck (Netta caryophyllacea) is a
large diving
duck. It was formerly classified as Rhodonessa
caryophyllacea, but has recently been shown by genetic analysis
to be closely related to the Red-crested Pochard, Netta
rufina, and has therefore now been transferred to the same
genus.
This duck formerly
occurred in northeast India
and Myanmar, but is now
probably extinct. It has always been rare, and the last
confirmed sighting was in 1935. Reports of pink-headed ducks continue to be
received from the largely unexplored Mali Hka and Chindwin Myit
drainages in Northern Myanmar. While the area is not very well
surveyed by scientists, searches have been inconclusive and
confusion with the Red-crested Pochard a common source for
supposed Pink-headed Duck sightings. A report on a recent (November
2003) survey can be found in the BirdLife publication
Babbler, vol. 8, p. 6; it was concluded that there is
sufficient reason to believe that Pink-headed ducks indeed may
still exist in Northern Myanmar's Kachin State.
Its breeding habitat was lowland marshes and pools in elephant-grass jungle. The nest is
built amongst grass. They were gregarious birds, and used to form
flocks of 30 or more.
The 60 cm long Pink-headed Duck is unmistakable. It is long
bodied and long necked, with a tufted head. The adult male has a
chocolate-coloured body and a deep pink head and hindneck. The
female and juvenile are similar but duller. Confusion with Red-crested
Pochards stems mainly from observations of swimming birds, as
the latter species also has a conspicuous red head.
Pink-headed Ducks eat aquatic plants, and, like other
Netta species, typically upend for food much more than other
diving ducks.
Reference
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