But up close, these birds have magnificent coloration. Intricately patterned bodies strike the perfect balance between camouflage and courtliness. Iridescent heads of purple, green and blue and colorful wing stripes are the reward for a close look. These medium-sized ducks have stocky legs set far apart and far back on their bodies, making walking difficult but diving very easy. Pochards ride the calm waters of lagoons, estuaries and bays in large mixed groups.
All pochards have a black breast and gray back with a white underside.
Slight variations in profile and pattern are helpful to distinguish the various types. Sea Ducks Sea ducks are stocky, short-necked diving ducks that eat small fishes. Scoters, the most common sea duck, are dark, chunky ducks found in the surf just offshore. They are amazingly well-suited for hunting in the foamy whirlpool of the surf zone. Smaller sea ducks, the goldeneyes and the bufflehead, are found along the coast as well as inland enjoying the extra shelter during the winter months.