Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

Genus · Scaups, Pochards, and Allies Family · Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Lake wetlands

Very easy to find on urban lakes. Look for the 'ponytail' on the back of the head and the bright yellow eye.

Tufted Duck

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan67–73 cm
Weight550–900 g
Length40–47 cm
Lifespan wild5–12 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeScrape
Clutch size6–12 eggs
Incubation23–28 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationPartial migratory
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Omnivore

🦀Crustaceans
🐟Fish
🦗Insects
🐚Mollusks
🍃Plants

Habitat

🛶 Lake wetlands🌊 Marine🏞️ River
✦ Fun Fact

The Tufted Duck population increased in the 20th century. This was partly due to the spread of the invasive zebra mussel, which became a major food source for these ducks.

About

A small diving duck with a distinctive drooping crest or 'tuft' on its head. It has a rounded body and a short, blue-grey bill with a black tip. It is found across Europe in almost any freshwater habitat, including park ponds and gravel pits. In winter, they gather in large groups on open water with Pochards and Coots.

Behaviour

Tufted Ducks are expert divers. They disappear underwater for up to 30 seconds to find mollusks and insects. They are social and can be bold in urban areas. In flight, they show a brilliant white wing-bar that contrasts with their dark plumage. The male's courtship involves head-shaking and a soft whistle.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

Strikingly black and white with a long, drooping black crest. The flanks are bright white. The eyes are vivid yellow.

♀ Female

Dark chocolate-brown overall with a much shorter crest. Her flanks are brownish-grey. She often has a small white patch at the base of the bill.

Similar species

Common Pochard
🐦
Common Pochard
Aythya ferina
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