Pochard
Aythya ferina
Póiseard
Status All Ireland: Breeding confirmed
Population estimate all Ireland: 10-50 pairs
Trend (12 years) Decrease
Trend (40 years) Decrease
Survey Timing: May to July
Habitat: Wetland, generally very large lake and “turlough” (lake with outflow drainage underground through natural tunnels in limestone)
Occurrence: Lough Neagh, probably Lough Corrrib, and turloughs mostly in east Connacht, but has very seriously decreased at most turlough sites.
Habitat preference (simple description of preferred nesting habitat): In ground cover, close to freshwater bodies.
Preferred ways to establish breeding status: Search for adult female escorting young on water.
