Systematics
Three genera are included in the Aythyini. The Marbled Duck which makes up the monotypic genus Marmaronetta, however, seems very distinct and might have diverged prior to the split of dabbling and diving ducks as indicated by morphological and molecular characteristics. The probably extinct Pink-headed Duck, previously treated separately in Rhodonessa, has been suggested to belong into Netta, but this approach has been questioned. DNA sequence analyses, which would probably resolve this question, have not been conducted to date for lack of suitable material. It might be an early divergence from the dabbling duck lineage. The molecular analysis also suggests that the White-winged Duck should be placed into a monotypic genus Asarcornis which is fairly close to Aythya and might belong into this subfamily.
FAMILY ANATIDAE
- Subfamily Aythyinae: diving ducks
- Genus Marmaronetta
- Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris
- Genus Netta (provisionally including Rhodonessa)
- Pink-headed Duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea ; probably extinct (1945?)
- Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
- Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma
- Rosy-billed Pochard Netta peposaca
- Genus Aythya
- Canvasback Aythya valisineria
- Common Pochard Aythya ferina
- Redhead Aythya americana
- Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris
- Hardhead Aythya australis
- Baer's Pochard Aythya baeri
- Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
- Madagascar Pochard Aythya innotata - feared to be extinct, rediscovered (2006)
- Réunion Pochard, Aythya cf. innotata - extinct (c.1690s)
- New Zealand Scaup Aythya novaeseelandiae
- Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
- Greater Scaup Aythya marila
- Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis
- Genus Marmaronetta
Read more about this topic: Diving Ducks