The scientific name is derived from Greek Netta "duck", and Latin rufina, "golden-red" (from rufus, "ruddy").

[2] Its breeding habitat is lowland marshes and lakes in southern Europe and it extends from the steppe and semi-desert areas on the Black Sea to Central Asia and Mongolia, wintering in the Indian Subcontinent and Africa.

They are gregarious birds, forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks, such as common pochards.

Red-crested pochards build nests by the lakeside among vegetation and lay 8–12 pale green eggs.

The birds' status in the British Isles is much confused because there have been many escapes and deliberate releases over the years, as well as natural visitors from the continent.