Tufted Duck

Overview

The tufted duck (Aythya fuligula), also known as the tufted pochard, is a small diving duck found in northern Eurasia with a population of nearly one million birds. It is a partially migratory species that is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Adult males are entirely black with white flanks, a blue-grey bill, golden-yellow eyes, and a thin crest forming a prominent tuft on the back of the head.
• Adult females are brown with lighter flanks and may have white around the base of the bill, though this is less extensive than in similar scaup species.
• Females produce a harsh, growling "karr" call, typically given in flight, while males mostly whistle a simple "wit-oo" during courtship.

Habitat

Breeding occurs throughout temperate and northern Eurasia, typically close to marshes and lakes with abundant vegetation to conceal the nest, though they also use coastal lagoons, shorelines, and sheltered ponds. During winter, they are found in milder southern and western European regions, southern Asia, and the British Isles, forming large flocks on open water. Occasionally, they appear as winter visitors along the coasts of the United States and Canada.

Diet

These birds feed mainly by diving but will sometimes upend from the surface, consuming molluscs, aquatic insects, and some plant material. They are known to feed at night as well as during the day.

Did you know?

Because the tufted duck feeds on the water bottom, its meat can taste "muddy" and is considered a less tasty duck compared to others.