Aythya fuligula
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Mass
~700 g
Habitat
Wetlands and marshes
Diet
Aquatic plants
How to recognize it
The Tufted Duck is a compact diving duck that’s easy to remember by the little crest at the back of its head. The adult male is the flashier one, with a dark body, pale sides, and bright eyes, while the female looks browner and quieter.
It spends most of its time on the water and dives well, often going down for food rather than dabbling at the surface. It lifts off heavily and noisily, then flies fast; the male is mostly quiet, while the female gives a sharp, growling call.
It favors large open freshwater places such as lakes, reservoirs, and slow rivers with thick waterside cover. It feeds on molluscs, aquatic insects, and plants, and northern populations move to milder waters in winter.
Quick Facts
The Tufted Duck is a compact diving duck that’s easy to remember by the little crest at the back of its head. The adult male is the flashier one, with a dark body, pale sides, and bright eyes, while the female looks browner and quieter.
It spends most of its time on the water and dives well, often going down for food rather than dabbling at the surface. It lifts off heavily and noisily, then flies fast; the male is mostly quiet, while the female gives a sharp, growling call.
It favors large open freshwater places such as lakes, reservoirs, and slow rivers with thick waterside cover. It feeds on molluscs, aquatic insects, and plants, and northern populations move to milder waters in winter.
