What is a Tufted Duck?

The tufted duck, or Aythya fuligula, is a Eurasian species of diving duck, closely related to the North American species of the Ring-Necked duck and the Lesser and Greater Scaup. It looks very similar to these species, largely discernible by the tuft of feathers on the back of its head. Seen occasionally along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the United States, its primary habitat includes Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The average adult tufted duck weighs 1.5 pounds (760 g) and is 17-inches-long (44 cm) with a 27-inch (70 cm) wingspan. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles are similar in coloring and markings with brown backs and white bellies. The breeding male tufted duck is typically more striking with black backs and white sides and bellies. White stripes appear on their black wings, and their rounded heads take on a purple sheen during the breeding season. Both males and females have bright yellow eyes. The tuft of feathers for which this species is named is larger in the male than the female and often difficult to see when their heads are wet from diving.

The tufted duck migrates throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa and occasionally dips into the upper areas of North America and along each U.S. coastline. The breeding grounds of these ducks stretch from Siberia westward to Iceland, but have never been known to breed in the Americas. When tufted ducks do appear in North America, they are generally found intermingled with their Scaup and Ring-Necked cousins.

Tufted ducks become sexually mature at about one year. They usually prefer to nest on small islands where predators, like the mink, are few. Typical clutch size is between eight and 11 eggs. Females incubate the eggs for approximately one month and chicks become juveniles in about seven weeks. The average lifespan of the tufted duck is four years, though at least one of these birds was reported to die at 24 years of age.

When it comes to eating, tufted ducks feed both under and on top of the water. They dive to eat aquatic plants, snails, crabs. Small amphibians and water insects are also part of the tufted duck diet. This species of duck also consumes surface duckweed and flies.

Tufted ducks are not a threatened species. They are generally expanding their habitats and numbers due to a growing freshwater mussel population in the United Kingdom, the growing numbers of water-filled pits from gravel extraction, and an increase in man-made lakes. Tufted ducks typically thrive near human habitations, especially where ponds and lakes are located, such as a community park.

The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck with a distinctive tuft of feathers on the back of its head. It's known for its sleek black and white plumage in males and brownish color in females. These ducks are widespread across Eurasia, frequenting lakes, rivers, and coastal waters where they dive for aquatic invertebrates and plants.

Tufted Ducks are native to the Palearctic region, but their range extends from Western Europe across Asia to China. They are migratory birds, with many northern populations moving south to overwinter in warmer climates. They are commonly found in freshwater lakes, slow-flowing rivers, and sheltered coastal waters, according to the British Trust for Ornithology.

Tufted Ducks are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes aquatic insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and plants. They are adept divers, often submerging for 10-20 seconds to forage on the bottom of water bodies. During the breeding season, their diet is more protein-rich to support egg production and the growth of their young.

Tufted Ducks breed once a year, typically from April to June. They build their nests near water, using vegetation to conceal their location. The female lays a clutch of 8-11 eggs, which she incubates for about 23-28 days. The ducklings are precocial and can feed themselves shortly after hatching, though the mother provides protection and guidance.

Outside of the breeding season, Tufted Ducks are quite social and can be found in large flocks, especially during migration or when overwintering. During the breeding season, they become more territorial and solitary, focusing on raising their young. They often associate with other waterfowl species when in flocks.

The Tufted Duck is currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This indicates that the species is widespread and abundant, with no immediate threat to its overall population. However, they are subject to habitat loss and pollution, which could impact certain regional populations.