Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligula
The Tufted Duck is a common sight in Britain, particularly during the winter months, with large numbers migrating to the country's wetlands and coastal areas, while some populations remain resident throughout the year. They can be seen on a variety of freshwater and brackish habitats, including lakes, rivers, and estuaries.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Tufted Duck in the field.
The Tufted Duck can be identified by its distinctive tuft of feathers on the back of its head, as well as its black back and white flanks, and its bright yellow eyes. Its black throat patch is also a key identification feature.
The Tufted Duck is slightly larger than a Mallard, but smaller than a Pochard, with a length of around 40-45 cm.
The male Tufted Duck has a glossy black head, back, and throat, with a distinctive tuft of feathers on the back of its head, and white flanks and belly, with a greyish-purple sheen in the right light.
The female Tufted Duck is similar to the male, but with a browner back and less glossy head, and a smaller or absent tuft of feathers on the back of its head.
The Tufted Duck has a distinctive call, a low, husky "kreep" or "krek" sound, often repeated in a series of three or four notes.
Tufted Ducks are diving birds, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small invertebrates, and can be seen swimming and diving in shallow water, often with their tails held high out of the water, and taking off with a rapid, whirring beat of their wings.
The Tufted Duck can be confused with the Scaup, but can be distinguished by its tuft of feathers on the back of its head, and its brighter yellow eyes, as well as its more black-and-white coloration, whereas the Scaup has a more greyish-black back and less distinct white flanks.
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