🐦12.25 Birding Daily: Merry Christmas! (ft. the most Christmas-themed bird)

Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri) is a rare diving duck native to East Asia, primarily found in freshwater lakes and marshes. Once widespread, its population has declined drastically, making it a critically endangered species. In winter, it migrates south, with a few individuals reliably returning to Chengdu each year.

Its head isn’t a flashy green like some other ducks, but rather the deep, rich green of a Christmas tree. Since it always appears in Chengdu around Christmas, I think it’s the most Christmas-themed bird!