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

• Wildfowl by Madge and Burn, ISBN 0-7470-2201-1