ExploreBirds

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

The Tufted Duck is a lovely bird with a fluffy tuft on its head! It loves to swim in lakes and ponds, diving underwater to find tasty snacks like plants and small fish.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized diving duck. Males are glossy black with striking white flanks and a prominent, backward-curving tuft of feathers on their head, paired with bright yellow eyes. Females are a browner plumage, though they also possess a smaller, less distinct tuft.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAnseriformesFamilyAnatidaeGenusAythya
Tufted Duck
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Tufted Duck

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby tufted ducks are called ducklings and can swim and dive just hours after hatching!

Sometimes, Tufted Ducks lay their eggs in other ducks' nests, letting them do all the parenting work!

The male's fancy head tuft grows longer with age, signaling his experience to potential mates!

They often nest near gulls and terns, who help protect their ducklings from predators!

Special abilities

Ability

Deep Diver

Tufted Ducks can dive to depths of 6 meters because their heavy bodies help them sink quickly, reaching food others can't.

Ability

Underwater Flyer

Tufted Ducks have powerful webbed feet that help them 'fly' underwater, chasing prey with incredible agility.

Ability

Nighttime Forager

Tufted Ducks can forage effectively at night because their keen vision helps them locate food in low-light conditions underwater.

Measurements & details

Length
40-47 cm
Wingspan
65-72 cm
Weight
0.5-1.1 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
8-11
Incubation
23-28 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

These ducks dive underwater to feast on tasty aquatic insects, mollusks, and small fish, along with some plants!

Primary Foods

  • Mussels
  • Aquatic insect larvae
  • Snails
  • Small fish
  • Aquatic plant seeds

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Black-headed Duck

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch ducks from a distance and do not feed them bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Tufted Duck?

40-47 cm

What is Tufted Duck's wingspan?

65-72 cm

How much does Tufted Duck weigh?

0.5-1.1 kg

How long does Tufted Duck live?

5-10 years

How fast can Tufted Duck move?

70 km/h

What does Tufted Duck eat?

These ducks dive underwater to feast on tasty aquatic insects, mollusks, and small fish, along with some plants!

Where is Tufted Duck usually found?

Wetlands

How does Tufted Duck hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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